Dear Readers,
Thinking is a skill. A skill is something that is learned. Therefore, you must learn how to think.
The simple syllogism, an art all too unfamiliar to the modern student. Even the average college graduate lacks some of the most simple logical skills that permeated the minds of medieval peasants. The second of the three trivial arts, Logic, is the art that teaches its users how to think; something that the citizens of Earth currently lack.
While many treat Logic as an independent skill or philosophy, Aristotle discovered that human beings are actually inherently rational, making them capable of reason; therefore, logical. He was the first to devise a formula for thought that would be used for thousands of years. Yet, modern education has now thrown it aside. Not only does the skill of Logic benefit the thinker by helping them identify fallacies and clarify reasoning, but it is even more beneficial for the young mind, as it provides the mental calisthenics they need to build a strong intellect.
Arranging Our Thoughts
The proposition is the basis of a logical thought. Without it, we lack the ability to make sense of what it is we’re thinking and what others are thinking. What is a proposition, you ask?
A proposition asserts a relation of terms. It's a declarative sentence that makes a claim that can be evaluated as either right or wrong, true or false. Without getting too bogged down in jargon, every sentence, statement, or assertion we make can be restated as a logical proposition. Often, students struggle to organize their thoughts or get to the point of an argument, essay, book, or statement. Logic helps thinkers construct the Syllogism, the ultimate goal of any logician.
A syllogism takes two propositions together to come to one conclusion.
Take the opening of this column, for example: “Thinking is a skill. A skill is something that is learned. Therefore, you must learn how to think.”
I state that thinking is a skill (the ability to perform a task or activity effectively and efficiently). I also state that a skill is something that must be learned. Thereby, I come to the conclusion that one must learn how to think.
A concise and straightforward example that illustrates the effectiveness of a simple syllogism. With a solid foundation of knowledge, Logic is the precise tool that intellectuals use to present their academic and scholarly findings, and even more effectively, persuade their peers.
The Basis of Persuasion
Our words carry so much weight. Logic is the key player in the game of Rhetoric; without it, the team falls apart. Ultimately, our words are used to persuade. If not to change the point of view of an opponent or peer, to convince them of our stance.
Therefore, it’s important that we know how to use them. Logic creates the framework that Rhetoric uses to impose its linguistic will on the world. Logic, being a Tool, organizes our ideas into coherent steps, making arguments harder to refute and easier to follow. Employing sound reasoning demonstrates that our claims are not merely opinions but rather follow from established principles or accepted realities. Demonstrating logical consistency signals that you’ve clearly thought through your argument and word choice. Ultimately, logical analysis enables you to identify potential counterarguments and address them proactively within your rhetoric.
Making Our Lives More Logical
Can we just suddenly become more logical? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, but it may be that simple. Logic is a way of thinking. To train your brain to think in a certain way, you must practice, as with any skill. To improve in any area, you must dedicate time to it. Take 5 minutes each day to write a syllogism. I won’t waste time trying to teach it here and now, but if you watch this video, it is an invaluable resource to guide you in more productive thinking.
Next, train your reasoning by questioning one belief or opinion daily. It could be in an article or book you read, a YouTube video, or a podcast you listen to. Identify the claim they’re making, and work backward to see how they rationalize it.
While you could spend hours each week teaching yourself Logic, which, if possible, I highly recommend, even Aristotle himself advocated against cramming. Instead, he argued for daily discipline in small amounts. These simple exercises can help anyone think more logically.
Whether you’re a fan of classical education or not, we owe it to ourselves to improve. Any way that manifests itself is a good thing; therefore, applying the use of Logic will make you a more thoughtful and rational person.
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Thanks for reading!
I appreciate you taking the time to engage with these ideas. I hope this newsletter gave you something to think about.
If you want to go deeper, check out my reading list, where I share the books that have radicalized me.
Also, I have a podcast called The Modern Republic. On this podcast, I see how many times I can say "you know" or "um" in each of my sentences. It's a great time.
This week's episode:
Ep. 020: Modern Education is Not Effective
I argue that education needs reform, calling for year-round schooling, rejecting modern low-expectation curricula, and advocating for a return to classical education to better equip students for life.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Watch on YouTube.
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See you next time!
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