Logic – Laws of Comprehension

Logic is a vital component to the way we reason, solve problems and attain end goals. Little of our perception of reality would make sense if it were not for our capacity to be logical. To put content together into a coherent whole, as well as foresee the unfolding effects of our actions, is largely possible because of the principles of logic. Allow me to demonstrate in part:

Can you recall a past event when you undertook a major project in a completely random and erratic manner? You may have had a vague idea in mind but you didn’t take the time to map out a direct and efficient way of attaining the desired outcome. In hindsight you can now recognize the time you wasted and the unnecessary costs, not to mention the negative consequences that followed from such irrational behaviour.

By putting the cart before the horse we not only end up going in circles, but we forfeit the freedom to direct our course of action; that is we neglect to take responsibility for our lives, and subject our will to circumstances outside of our control. If we act without any care for the specific steps needed to reach an end, then it’s unlikely that we’ll end up there, or if we do, it will not be without redundancy.

On the other hand, being logical in the way we approach a situation makes thinking coherent, constructive and orderly. Similar to grammar, which allows language to make sense, logic enables thinking to act in a sequential manner, permitting the mind to make appropriate connections. If we are to follow an action from its conception to its conclusion, we naturally do so in a logical fashion.

Whether expository or narrative, most things we read have an order to them, as in a beginning, middle and conclusion. Carpenters don’t build the roof of a house first, but they begin with the foundation. The natural growth of a plant begins with the seed, rather than with the leaf or the stem. Mind you there are exceptions to the rule, such as poetry and other artistic endeavours, but for the most part things come together in a logical manner.

Logic is intrinsic to the way we think and can help us to detect the validity of another’s claim or judgement. It is a standard for good thinking and an indispensable means for achieving worthy end goals. Even though this feature of the mind is as natural as breathing, we nevertheless need to cultivate it over time, just as shallow breathing can come about without the ongoing practice of good form and posture, we are apt to fall into poor habits of thinking.

JY