Logic: The Laws of Truth - Hardcover

Smith, Nicholas J.J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691151636 ISBN 13: 9780691151632

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2012

Synopsis

Logic is essential to correct reasoning and also has important theoretical applications in philosophy, computer science, linguistics, and mathematics. This book provides an exceptionally clear introduction to classical logic, with a unique approach that emphasizes both the hows and whys of logic. Here Nicholas Smith thoroughly covers the formal tools and techniques of logic while also imparting a deeper understanding of their underlying rationales and broader philosophical significance. In addition, this is the only introduction to logic available today that presents all the major forms of proof--trees, natural deduction in all its major variants, axiomatic proofs, and sequent calculus. The book also features numerous exercises, with solutions available on an accompanying website.

Logic is the ideal textbook for undergraduates and graduate students seeking a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the subject.

• Provides an essential introduction to classical logic


• Emphasizes the how and why of logic


• Covers both formal and philosophical issues


• Presents all the major forms of proof--from trees to sequent calculus


• Features numerous exercises, with solutions available at http://www-personal.usyd.edu.au/~njjsmith/lawsoftruth


• The ideal textbook for undergraduates and graduate students

About this title

From the Back Cover

"Smith's book combines accessibility with comprehensiveness in a way that I have not found in other texts. It is very readable and well paced, but does not sacrifice precision. Difficult issues aren't glossed over or skipped, but are introduced at a gentle pace for novice logicians. As a teacher of logic, I see real benefits in Smith's approach."--Jennifer Duke-Yonge, Macquarie University, Australia

"Lots of books aim to provide a first introduction to symbolic logic. I predict that this one will be widely adopted throughout the English-speaking world. One of its unique strengths is that it broaches important philosophical issues that naturally arise in connection with symbolic logic. The book thus serves both as an introduction to logic itself and to the philosophy of logic."--Stewart Shapiro, editor of The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic

About the Author

Nicholas J. J. Smith is senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Sydney in Australia. He is the author of Vagueness and Degrees of Truth.

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0691151636
• ISBN 13: 9780691151632
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 544