Chapter 1: Definition of ‘Logic’

Chapter 1: Definition of ‘Logic’

Meaning and Definition of Logic

Logic is a study of value-based or normative standards applicable in process of correct argumentation.

Logic is the method of checking validity in argument, or it can be defined as the science of reasoning. Reasoning means providing evidence for the conclusion. Reasoning checks validity of conclusion.

The reasons that are made wrong lead to fallacy. In other sense fallacy means error in reasoning. Argument is a group of statement. Logic is science that evaluates arguments. Statement is the group of word that has true value or false value.

Logic is the study of the methods of the principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning.

Importance of Logic: 

• Logic is essential to ensure that our arguments are sound and capable of assisting us to get rid of fallacy in an argument and so that is possible for a valid argument to prevail over fallacious argument.
• Logic is essential to point out the weakness of opponents’ arguments by helping to identify lurking fallacies arguments.

Why logic is important for law student/legal field?

As we all know that logic is important for all the people. But lawyer and law students are supposed to present arguments full of evidence.

A lawyer work is to convince the people with their unique yet meaningful and logical sentences. Their arguments should be strong and logical enough to flip or amend the idea of another individual. A lawyer with illogical and weak argument neither going to convince the judge nor his/her clients.

• Logic helps to find the truth based on fact.
• Hardly the legal persons get their achievement in legal case without the logical reasoning, research and argument.
• Lawyers consistently use argument both verbally and in writing. Arguments require logic to convince judge in the court. Logic helps lawyers to improve their quality of argument.
• It is important for cognitive power.
• Logic is important to make a strong argument while reasoning.
• To decrease fallacy.
• Lawyers are the society makers, so they have to use logic everywhere to develop society.
• Law students can use logic to give logical answer in exam.

Types of logic

There are different types of logic, which are discussed below:

1. Proportional logic / Sentential logic / Statement logic. 

A proposition is a component of reasoning in logic. A proposition is a sentence, a meaningful arrangement of words. It has a quantifier, a subject, a predicate and a copula. Every sentence is not always a proposition. Informative, indicative or factual sentences alone are proposition. Interrogative, exclamatory, emotive or imperative sentences are not.

A proposition is a sentence that is either true or false, asserted or not asserted, believed or disbelieved, supposed or doubted. An assertion is a statement. A proposition is an assertion which is either true or false.

The following is the proposition:

1+2= 3

It is also known as sentential logic or statement logic. It deals with the logical relationship between proportions (claims, statement, sentence, assertion) taken as a whole.

Proportional logic is interested in how the truth value of compound claims depends on the truth value of the individual claim that makes it up.

To understand the symbolic representation used in propositional logic, we must distinguish simple statements from compound statements. A simple statement is one that does not contain any other statement as a component.

A compound statement is one that contains at least one simple statement as a component.4

2. Syllogistic Logic

A syllogistic logic is a type of logic. It studies the syllogism in logic. There are two premises and a conclusion in syllogistic logic. The first statement is known as the major premise. The second statement is known as the minor premise and the conclusion. The major premise has the major term. The minor term has the minor term. The predicate of the major premise and Subject of the minor term is derived in the conclusion.

3. Predicate Logic

Predicate logic is a type of formal logic. It helps to study the truth value of the predicate of the proposition.

It is helpful to scrutinize the predicate in the minor term. 

It helps to understand the truth value of the predicate in a more systematic way. In propositions or arguments, the subject may be the same, but the predicate may be repeated so, it is necessary to understand the predicate of the proposition.

Example,

Advance deed document is not a contract

The Advance deed document is not written in case of a breach.

Advance deed document is not expected to be as the paper of making liable to the parties

The Advance deed is the example that is repeatedly used in the above examples, but the predicate is used differently. So, it is necessary to understand it.

It is infinite, it doesn't give the concrete truthful of the proposition.

4. Modal Logic

A modal logic is a type of formal logic developed in 1960.

Modal verb is an auxiliary verb that expresses necessity or possibility. English modal verbs include must, shall, will, should, would, can, could, may, and might.

The models are used to show that we believe something is certain, probable or possible.

5. Temporal Logic: 

Temporal logic is a type of logic. It was Introduced by Arthur Prior in 1960 under the name Tense Logic subsequently developed by other scholars. Temporal logic is an approach to the semantic of expressions with tense that is an expression with tense, that is, expression with qualifications of when.

In temporal logic, tense, that is expressions with qualifications of when: 

a) Relation between language and logic: 

• Relationship of logic with language is inseparable. Grossly speaking, it can be argued that logic fails to have its existence exhibited without language.
• In language, human beings express their feelings, their judgment and arguments.
• Language is an important vehicle through which ideas and concepts are transmitted
• Logic is the study of arguments and arguments are expressed through language.

c) Logic as Right reasoning

Logic is the science of rational thinking or reasoning. It is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct reasoning from incorrect reasoning. The aim of the logic is to provide methods, techniques and devices which help in differentiating right reasoning from wrong reasoning and good reasoning from bad. It is believed that those who study logic certainly make less error while arguing and right reasoning helps one to face a problem in a more orderly and systematic way and in many cases makes the solution less difficult and more certain.

Logic connotes the conclusion of certain ideas with valid reasoning. It means it helps to develop the ideas that help to reach conclusion. Logic takes different forms depending on the type of reasoning involved and on what the criteria of right reasoning are taken to be.

• Logic is the set of rules we must follow to think like God thinks, which is to think rightly.
• Logic undergirds morality. Otherwise, we can make no distinctions between right and wrong.
• Logic undergirds truth. Otherwise, we can make no distinctions between truth and error.
• The law of non-contradiction is the most basic law of logic:

‘The same attribute cannot at the same time belong and not belong to the same subject and in the same respect. (Aristotle)’

• The syllogism is the basic form of logical reasoning:
•  Being familiar with logical fallacies can help us spot sloppy argumentation and make us more discerning.

b) Function of Legal Language

Language is the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other. Words are the essential tools of the law. In the study of law, language has great importance. Lord Macmillan said, “The lawyer’s business is with words. They are the raw materials of his craft.”

Laws are articulated in language. Once an individual has learned the legal meanings of words, he is expected to use them with precision. Substituting one for another can result in serious errors and misunderstandings. The legal meanings of words constitute the common language of lawyers and judges, who rely on this language to communicate efficiently and effectively. Thus, a Legal language has its own importance.

 The functions of legal languages are: -

1. Informative function:

The informative function of Legal language involves an effort to communicate some content. It helps to communicate our observations, thoughts regarding a particular legal matter. It helps to inform the logic behind the interpretation of a case. For example, when a board quoted ‘No Smoking Zone’ is placed in an area, the language ‘No smoking zone’ informs the passers that it is prohibited to smoke in that area. Here language plays an informative function.

2. Constructive function:

While interpreting a particular legal matter, the logic behind it may be vague and might be difficult to understand. So, language precisely constructs and presents the logic and tries to minimize the ambiguity and vagueness. For example: Article 16 of Constitution of Nepal 2072 mentions the right to live with dignity, which is a constructive sentence that has helped to remove the vagueness of the logic behind it.

3. Directive function:

Directive function of language aims to cause or to prevent some overt action by a human agent. When a court orders government to stop certain developmental activities, it is using the directive function of language. For example: Supreme Court issued the directive order to devise the necessary laws for the identification of third gender on the case of Sunil Babu Panta and others on behalf of Blue Diamond Society vs. Cabinet Secretariat and others.

4. Expressive function:

Language plays an expressive function. It helps to express the sensory information one is having. Language is used to express the real message behind the particular legal matters. When we express thoughts, we draw conclusion based on what we have experienced. A judge expresses his decision only through the means of language. So, language is expressive.