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Logic And The Etymological Definition Of Logic

Decent Essays

What is Logic?

Etymological Definition:

Zeno the Stoic first coined the word “logic.”

Logic came from the Greek term:

λογικε ( logike ) which means a “thought”
Etymologically, logic means a “treatise pertaining to thought.”

Aristotle considered Logic as the “organon” or the tool or instrument of the sciences.

Logic is the instrument for gaining knowledge or the tool for correct thinking.

Formal Definition:

Logic is the study of science and art of correct inferential reasoning. Logic deals with the laws, methods and principles of correct thinking. Thereby, logic distinguishes correct from incorrect reasoning.

It is a science because it is a systematized body of knowledge about the principles and laws of correct inferential reasoning. …show more content…

III. Classification of Terms

A. According to Significance or Meaning (Comprehension)

1. Univocal – A univocal term is a term that is used in an identical sense. It expresses only one meaning or sense when applied to several objects. A term maybe univocal if it falls under the following conditions:
a. A term has no other possible meanings other than itself.

e.g. Homo Sapiens, Homo Erectus, solar system, heliocentricism, Rector Magnificus, Supreme Pontiff, etc.
b. The term used is defined.

e.g.
Mercury is a planet in the solar system.
A notebook is a material used for writing made up of paper.
c. The terms used are taken to signify one meaning in two instances.

e.g.
The reverend father blesses the mother and the father of the child.
Water is heavier than air and the air outside is fresh.

2. Equivocal – An equivocal term is a term that expresses two or more different or unrelated meanings. Equivocal terms may be externally the same, (same spelling and/or pronunciation) but different in sense. They may be equivocal

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