Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential elements of standard (classical) symbolic logic. Key topics covered include:

           The characteristic nature and scope of logic as a discipline

           The construction of a series of distinctly named formal languages suitable for formal translation

           Semantic models

           The construction of decision procedures

           The execution of proof-theoretic arrangements like natural deduction and proof-sequent systems

The book covers both the semantics and proof theory of the standard sentential (propositional) logic and predicate (first-order) logic. Other topics covered include: parsing trees, extraction of alternative notations (for instance, Polish notation), Fitch-style proof-theory, sequent and ‘tree’ proof systems, comparisons and contrasts with intuitionistic logic, and presentations of predicate logic models. An ancillary chapter on elements of set theory is conveniently placed at the end and includes insights into the Zermelo-Fraenkel systematization of set theory. The philosophy of logic is also explored.

Exercises in the text provide instruction on mathematical induction for the construction of formula, tests for the well-formedness of Polish notation, and functional completeness.

Symbolic Logic is essential reading for all philosophy students taking intermediate level formal logic courses and will also appeal to diligent first year students of logic. The text is replete with exercises on both the formal machinery and the philosophical aspects of logic.