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Symbolic logic
Cogito ergo sum Logic and rhetoric |
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Key articles |
General logic |
Bad logic |
Symbolic logic is a logical technique that allows reduction of a logical argument stated in natural language to mathematical logic. This helps to avoid issues of semantics that plague many logical debates. A proof in symbolic logic is only as true as its premises.
Example
Let A be defined as "Water has memory of chemicals dissolved in it."
Let B be defined as "Nearly every chemical has been dissolved in the oceans at some point."
Let C be defined as "The oceans have memory of nearly every chemical."
Let D be defined as "The oceans are as effective a homeopathic treatment as anything you could buy."
Postulates:
1: A
2: B
3: A&B→C
4: C→D
Proof:
Line a: By 1, 2, and 3: C
Line b: By 4 and a:D
Conclusion:
D
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