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Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 6:29 pm
As I'm studying from a college level logic textbook for beginners, it seems to me that logic really isn't that hard. Conceivably (to me at least) it could be introduced to children.
Do you think logic should be taught to kids? If so, what age should it be introduced?
Also, what effects do you think teaching logic in all American public schools would have in society?
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 6:47 pm
The American government likes a dumb electorate, it's what keeps them in power.
But I agree with you, logic could and should be introduced in elementary school.
On the other hand, eh, you're a music guy... Music and math -> logic are processed in the same parts of the brain. Maybe it's more difficult than I'm thinking. I took college intro logic and got a good grade, but I'm also musical and good at math... hmmm... Musical people who are good at math should run the world... You with me TEGH? We'll plot and take over the world!
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 7:16 pm
I haven't studied logic or philosophy, how much of it are things that I wouldn't know without studying it? Because I feel like logic is a big part of everything we learn, everything is presented and studied logically. Logic is presumed, in most cases.
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm
(August 7, 2013 at 7:16 pm)pineapplebunnybounce Wrote: I haven't studied logic or philosophy, how much of it are things that I wouldn't know without studying it? Because I feel like logic is a big part of everything we learn, everything is presented and studied logically. Logic is presumed, in most cases.
The logic book by Gensler that I'm studying from now has a quiz containing a set of simple arguments, some valid some not. He says that most students flunk it without prior training. It's found here http://www.harryhiker.com/logic.htm
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Give it a year and you would see fundie parents blowing head gaskets all over school board meetings in the US.
I'm liking the idea. I also think Kindergarten is the latest I'd attempt it.
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 8:12 pm
That's a good way to make kids more annoying. Let's do it.
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Why isn't this a poll? And YES. Fucking, yes. Yes please yes.
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 7, 2013 at 9:05 pm
(This post was last modified: August 7, 2013 at 9:08 pm by pineapplebunnybounce.)
(August 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm)teaearlgreyhot Wrote: (August 7, 2013 at 7:16 pm)pineapplebunnybounce Wrote: I haven't studied logic or philosophy, how much of it are things that I wouldn't know without studying it? Because I feel like logic is a big part of everything we learn, everything is presented and studied logically. Logic is presumed, in most cases.
The logic book by Gensler that I'm studying from now has a quiz containing a set of simple arguments, some valid some not. He says that most students flunk it without prior training. It's found here http://www.harryhiker.com/logic.htm I did the pretest and got 2 wrong.
Most of it still basic, like if i think it through carefully, the right answer is obvious.
But I don't see why it shouldn't be taught to kids.
Edit: Ok I did all the questions, 3 wrong.
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 8, 2013 at 2:08 am
To answer the question in the heading, abso-fucking-lutely!
(August 7, 2013 at 6:47 pm)festive1 Wrote: On the other hand, eh, you're a music guy... Music and math -> logic are processed in the same parts of the brain. Maybe it's more difficult than I'm thinking. I took college intro logic and got a good grade, but I'm also musical and good at math... hmmm... Musical people who are good at math should run the world... You with me TEGH? We'll plot and take over the world!
Can I join you?
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
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RE: Should logic be taught in elementary?
August 8, 2013 at 3:45 am
(August 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm)teaearlgreyhot Wrote: The logic book by Gensler that I'm studying from now has a quiz containing a set of simple arguments, some valid some not. He says that most students flunk it without prior training. It's found here http://www.harryhiker.com/logic.htm
The question is, however, how much do they improve with training?
I'm skeptical of attempts to "teach critical thinking." I have yet to see any demonstrable delta for before and after, and I'm inclined to believe that you can't teach good thinking, no matter what you label it. Logic is one of my weak spots; my eyes glaze over at formal logic. So perhaps I'm biased. But I don't think it should be considered a core competency in the absence of demonstration that teaching it leads to measurably better thinking. I'd sooner see study skills taught first.
I have a friend who teaches business at a nearby university, and one of the classes he teaches is in critical thinking. He hosted a ten part presentation on critical thinking, basically paralleling the content of his class. I've learned the proper names for a few fallacies that I didn't have a name for before, but not much else.
I'm skeptical. That's all.
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