Are there informal logicians who cannot comprehend formal logic?

Question

Some of us may not agree with the propositions of the informal logical about the use of "practical logic" over formal logic, but I wonder do these known philosophers criticize formal logic and promote the use of informal logic because they are weak at computation or symbols?

Answer 1

Yes, and there are formal logicians who cannot comprehend informal logic as well!

You see, it's not a matter of known philosophers criticizing formal logic or promoting the use of informal logic because they are weak at computation or symbols. The basic reason is simply because some of us may not agree and when someone disagrees with any construct that I hold dear then that person is wrong no matter what. I bet you might feel the same way. Any suggestion that I might be wrong on this is, in a word, illogical! Don't you agree?

Answer 2

Contemporary philosophers in the Thomistic tradition, typically just find the use of symbolic logic unhelpful, and really ends up distancing the thinker from the thing under consideration. This does not preclude the study of logic altogether, but certainly uses a different method. I would call it "informal logic", but Aristotelian logic, where the proposition serves as the unit of thoughts and syllogism are the most certain way of proceeding. Men don't actually think about what they're doing most of the time when they use symbols. Think about algebra: what does 'x' stand for? Is it a line or a number? Does it not matter? Algebra allows you to ignore what you're talking about, and therein lies its power. Philosophy is not about power though, it is about really grasping the truth of things.



Many thinkers (I'm thinking of poets who pass themselves off as philosophers) probably avoid symbolic logic because it is too hard, but Thomists do so on account of its uselessness.



The translator of this work has an introduction which explains the relevance and utility of Aristotelian logic:

http://www.amazon.com/Commentary-Aristotles-Posterior-Analytics-Aristotelian/dp/1883357780

(The work of Aristotle and the accompanying commentary are also a great aid in the study of logic.)

Answer 3

Formal logic is great but if you actually try to use it in life it is a bit impractical.



Most people simply see logic as something like a tool that they use to make good decisions in their lives, not as some intellectual badge of superiority.



That just sounds like insecurity,

Answer 4

I cite myself.....I am weak at computation and symbols and using the technical terms for anything....yet I understand them and do relish that others can explain things much better than myself...so overall I have nothing against those who are blessed with their learned or unlearned FORMAL logic.....Feel better?