The Art of Logic

Outline

The Art of Logic (2018) shows how the tools of mathematics can help us think more clearly about everyday arguments, politics, and social issues. Eugenia Cheng explains logical ideas such as implication, false dichotomies, and relationships between concepts, and shows how emotions and logic can work together rather than against each other. The book helps readers spot flawed reasoning and argue more fairly and effectively.

• The tools of mathematics can sharpen how we reason about everyday arguments, social issues, and political questions.
• Logical ideas such as implication show how one claim does or does not follow from another.
• A false dichotomy presents only two options when more exist, and spotting it opens up better choices.
• Emotions and logic can work together rather than against each other in a conversation.
• Learning to spot flawed reasoning helps you argue more fairly and effectively.

Eugenia Cheng is a British mathematician, pianist, and author who is known for making abstract mathematics accessible and fun. She is Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked at universities in Britain and the United States. Her books include How to Bake Pi, The Art of Logic, and x + y.