The Use of Reason

E. R. Emmet

Broadly, The Use of Reason is an introduction to logic, suitable for sixth forms or the intelligent man in the street. The author is not afraid of technical terms, but he uses them only where necessary and after full explanation. A brief section on symbolic logic is so arranged that it may be skipped if the reader finds it too frightening. But the great value of the book is that it approaches logic gently through a discussion of the familiar use of words and this theme recurs throughout. Again and again, Mr. Emmet pauses to remind us that we are not and often need not be as precise as formal logic requires. What we must do is use our intelligence to recognize the real meaning of what we say and assess how strictly the rules should be applied in view of the context. The author dwells much on induction and the scientific method, and these chapters at least should be compulsory reading for all those beginning to specialize in science.

Philosophy

1966

Longmans & Company

English