LOGIC AND SCIENTIFIC METHODS

by Herbert L. Searles '17. The Ronald PressCo., 1948, pp. xii + 326, $3.50.'

Professor Searles' textbook in elementary logic has many qualities that will commend it to both teacher and student. The style is clear, the exposition straightforward. Points of logical theory are illustrated by carefully chosen examples of their application to every-day situations. Most of the problems appended to the chapters are original and not too difficult for the elementary student. About one-fourth of the problems are solved in an appendix. It should also be mentioned that the format is exceptionally good; the clearness of the type and the nice spacing of page-material make for easy reading.

After a short introductory part which includes a chapter on the relation of logic to language, the main portion of the book is divided into two nearly equal parts, on deductive logic and scientific methods, respectively. The part on deductive logic is based on the traditional Aristotelian treatment of propositions, immediate inference, and the syllogism. Mr. Searles is here very thorough: he has not skimmed over immediate inference, for instance, for fear students might find it one of the less interesting parts of logic. But the Aristotelian treatment of inference is given with additions and cor rections from modern logic. The non-existen-tial character of universal propositions is discussed on p. 63, although no use is made of this in the treatment of the syllogism in connection with moods that contain two universal premises and a particular conclusion. From modern logic also is taken a discussion of arguments based on relational properties.

The part on scientific methods, besides covering such usual subjects as hypothesis and the experimental methods, contains chapters on probability and statistical methods, and an interesting chapter on the application of logic to legal thinking.