[Lecture Nine] Introduction to Logic
by Dr. Leonard Peikoff
Total Time: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Course summary: This lecture course by Dr. Leonard Peikoff provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the study of logic. Through exercises provided to the reader and discussion of answers, the course covers definitions, syllogisms, fallacies, and the rules of generalization. It is equivalent to a university level course in logic. Read more »
In this lecture: Dr. Peikoff reviews the field of logical induction. He discusses the nature of generalizations, why they are important, and how generalizations play a role in validation. He contrasts different views of and justifications for induction throughout history.
Study Guide
This material is designed to help you digest the lecture content. You can also download below a PDF study guide for the entire course.
| What is the wider subject matter of induction? How is it different from logical induction? |
| What is a generalization? Why is it so important? |
| How does generalization play into the question of validation? |
| What is the difference between the conventional and the Aristotelian definition of induction? |
| What is the nature of the inductive leap? How is it justified? |
| How is causality involved in induction? |
| What is induction by simple enumeration? Give an example. |
| What are the two potential flaws in simple enumeration? |
| What are the three criteria that help avoid the flaws in simple enumeration? |
| What are the inductive fallacies? |
| What is experimental induction and how does it differ from enumeration? |
| How is the word “cause” used in various senses? |
| What are the proper methods for formulating a causal connection? |
| What is the method of difference so powerful in inductive reasoning? |