Learn critical thinking and logical reasoning to create valid arguments, avoid logical fallacies, and solve real-world problems using tools like if-then implications and Aristotle’s logic.

Critical and logical thinking are essential in today’s democratic society and professional organizations. This course lays a foundation for these skills by embedding logic into everyday language and situations.

You will learn to create logically valid arguments, recognize and avoid logical fallacies, and focus on the form of an argument rather than its content. You’ll explore how to prove the validity or invalidity of arguments and understand the historical development of logic from Aristotle’s syllogism to modern predicate logic.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to tackle real-world problems more effectively using logical operators, if-then implications, and other tools in logical reasoning. You’ll gain skills in using logic and language judiciously in both your professional and civic life.

Logical Thinking

**Fallacies of relevance** involve arguments that are not logically connected to the issue or are based on irrelevant factors, like emotions, authority, or popular opinion. We've already seen one example in the previous case study of politicians jumping to irrelevant conclusions. This lesson uses examples from politics and everyday scenarios to illustrate some common fallacies of relevance so we can navigate our lives more logically.  



Learn about fallacies of relevance, with examples.

Introduction to Logical Thinking

Fallacies in Logic

Logical Argument

What Is Logic?

First Theory of Logic: Aristotle’s Logic

Second Theory of Logic: Propositional Logic

Third Theory of Logic: Predicate Logic

Logical Reasoning in Action

Wrap Up

Fallacies of Relevance