In this text, Mr. Cothran teaches traditional Aristotelian logic as that subject was taught prior to any developments in the past few centuries. In this sense I believe he has done an excellent job. Many logicians would contend, however, that modern practical innovations – such as Venn diagrams for testing syllogisms – are useful.
Mr. Cothran does an excellent job dividing his text into daily lessons with exercises. This is something I wish other writers did. My Dad and my brother and I had difficulty understanding some of Mr. Cothran’s explanations of concepts.
Mr. Cothran has recently published a second volume to Traditional Logic.
Publisher: Memoria Press
Subjects Covered: Psychology of thought, categorical syllogisms
Self-teaching: *** Difficult explanations with gaps, daily lessons
Suggested Ages: 17-adult
Thoroughness: Teaches pre-1800s categorical syllogisms
Best Features: Well arranged daily lessons & exercises
Worst Features: Abstract explanations of concepts, incomplete treatment
Copyright April 10, 2000, all rights reserved. 9349 views
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