2. SOME TERMINOLOGIES IN LOGIC

 - We shall now examine  some terminologies involved in logic.

Structure or form – this simply means the skeleton or frame on which logic is built, just like laying foundation before building a house. If the structure of logic is not well built, the conclusion will be questionable. Simply put, the flow of logic must be well arranged in order to reach a truth conclusion.

Syllogism – this is three structure of an argument. It is channel of argument that composes of: major and minor premises and conclusion.

1.      All men are mortal

2.     The President is man

3.     Therefore, the President is mortal

Premise – this is either the two of the propositions from which the conclusion is made. It is an assumption which could be true or false, this will lead to an acceptable or unacceptable conclusion.

Example of TRUE PREMISE is as shown above. If the major and minor premises are true, the conclusion will be true.

Example of FALSE PREMISE:

1.     All Igbo people are fair in complexion

2.     Eno Ekeruke is fair in complexion

3.     Therefore, she is an Igbo

LOGICAL FALLACY – this is error in reasoning which deceives people to accepting an invalid or false conclusion. Example

1      All  Nigerians speak correct English

2      Goodluck’s wife is a Nigerian

3      Therefore, she should speak correct English

Types of Fallacies – we have two types – Formal and Informal

Formal fallacy occurs when the rule of logic is not followed or broken ie when the three structure (syllogism) is not followed,

Informal fallacy occurs as a result of errors made in speech or in writing based on language. EG:

1       Fallacy of ambiguity – this is when a word has more than one meaning. Eg I am going to COURT (court has many meanings – a place where case is settled, where sports is done and being in relationship)

2      Fallacy of Incompatibility – this is when two words that do not go together are used in sentence construction. Eg  The sun is raining (sun does not rain, it shines)

3      Fallacy of composition – this occurs when one uses wrongly what is a feature a particular thing to talk about many thing or many people. Eg Ahmed has big head, there he is intelligent ( big head does not mean good brain, it might be sign of foolishness)

Fallacy of accent – this occurs when there is a change in voice pitch or when wrong emphasis is placed on a particular word in a sentence. Eg. You are looking neat today (emphasis is on today, this is implying that You were always dirty before that day)