Informal Logic

Definition

Informal logic is a field of study that examines the principles and techniques of reasoning used in everyday, non-academic contexts. It focuses on the analysis and evaluation of arguments as they are presented in natural language, rather than the formal, symbolic logic used in academic settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Informal logic is concerned with the practical application of reasoning in real-world situations, rather than the abstract, theoretical study of logic.
2. It emphasizes the importance of context, audience, and the use of language in the construction and evaluation of arguments.
3. Informal logic is often contrasted with formal logic, which focuses on the study of valid deductive arguments and the use of symbolic notation.
4. The study of informal logic is particularly relevant in fields such as law, politics, and journalism, where persuasive arguments are commonly used to influence public opinion.
5. Informal logic is a key component of critical thinking, as it helps individuals to identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments encountered in their daily lives.

Review Questions

• Explain how informal logic differs from formal logic in its approach to reasoning and argumentation.
  • Informal logic focuses on the analysis of arguments as they are presented in natural language, taking into account the context, audience, and use of language, rather than the formal, symbolic logic used in academic settings. It emphasizes the practical application of reasoning in real-world situations, rather than the abstract, theoretical study of logic. In contrast, formal logic is concerned with the study of valid deductive arguments and the use of symbolic notation to represent and evaluate the logical structure of arguments.
• Describe the role of informal logic in the development of critical thinking skills.
  • Informal logic is a key component of critical thinking, as it helps individuals to identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments encountered in their daily lives. By understanding the principles and techniques of reasoning used in everyday, non-academic contexts, individuals can better assess the validity and persuasiveness of arguments presented to them, whether in the realms of law, politics, journalism, or other areas where persuasive arguments are commonly used to influence public opinion. The study of informal logic, therefore, is crucial for developing the ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
• Analyze the importance of context, audience, and language in the study of informal logic, and explain how these factors contribute to the evaluation of arguments.
  • In the study of informal logic, the context, audience, and use of language are crucial factors that must be taken into account when evaluating the strength and validity of an argument. Unlike formal logic, which focuses on the abstract, deductive structure of arguments, informal logic recognizes that the real-world application of reasoning is heavily influenced by the specific circumstances in which an argument is presented, the intended audience, and the language used to convey the argument. By considering these contextual elements, individuals can better understand the underlying assumptions, implicit biases, and rhetorical strategies employed in an argument, and thus make a more informed assessment of its merits and weaknesses.

Related terms

Fallacy:

A fallacy is an error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid or unpersuasive, despite its superficial plausibility.

Rhetoric:

Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively to persuade or influence an audience, often through the use of stylistic devices and appeals to emotion.

Informal Argumentation: Informal argumentation refers to the types of arguments and reasoning used in everyday discourse, as opposed to the formal, deductive arguments found in academic settings.