Overview

Syllogisms are the oldest and most carefully studied logical forms. This book attempts to convey some sense of the tradition in which syllogistic logic has developed; but the book also goes well beyond the classical theory. Rather than limiting syllogistic logic to the quantifiers 'all' and 'some', this book begins with an expanded group of ordinary language quantifiers, including 'few', 'most', and 'many', and ends with a full range of proportional quantifiers, such as '23% of' and 'more than 98% of'. The book gives a point by point explanation of syllogistic logic, directed primarily at beginners, but offering material that will be new and interesting even to advanced scholars.

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9780820419701

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Reviews

During the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in the logic of syllogisms, a logic abandoned a century ago because of the development of mathematical logic. This renewed interest is due to the work of a number of logicians who have been able to reveal much power and beauty heretofore hidden in the syllogistic. Bruce Thompson's work on proportional quantifiers for syllogisms has been part of that renaissance. The present work develops these ideas further and places them in their historical setting. It will be of enormous value to the continued attempt to resurrect and rehabilitate, to modify and strengthen, the old logic. (George Englebretsen, Bishop's University) This book is a masterly instance of presenting complex issues at an elementary level. (Nicholas Rescher, University of Pittsburgh) An original way of introducing students to logic. Thompson's syllogisms, involving intermediate quantifiers besides the classical 'all' and 'some', possess an elegant structure which cannot help but challenge and intrigue both beginners and experienced logicians. (Storrs McCall, McGill University)

Author Information

The Author: Bruce E.R. Thompson received his M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Denver and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. He has published several articles on logic, and is an active member of the Charles S. Peirce Society. He has taught at the University of Denver, Texas Tech University, and most recently at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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