Teaching logic in philosophy

Abstract

Logic considered as a general model of reasoning is equated in most cases with argumentation. The symbolic component of logic is the main component of the teaching of the subject, even in a first course in Philosophy, but for students with poor technical skills, formal logic is not the best way to enhance their thinking and their initiation to the inquiry. To improve their reasoning, it would be better to begin with different problem solving tasks in natural language and only after their resolution should we try to symbolize them. Moreover, argumentation and reasoning are related but they aren't the same thing. In argumentation the linguistic and social components can't be forgotten. Training in argumentation is left to logic or never taught. Students' argumentative skills should be developed in parallel both in oral discussions and by writing. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.