Ask HN: How can I learn to use logic, reason and critical thinking practically?
I am currently looking at 2 courses to study logical thinking and reasoning
1. Introduction to Logic: This teaches Propositional, Relational and Herbrand logic
2. Think Again:This is a 4 part course that teaches the following:
How to Understand Arguments
How to Reason Deductively
How to Reason Inductively
How to Avoid Fallacies
Since these courses are academic, how can one start using this knowledge practically?
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7 comments
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Would probably be better served digging into epistemology, all of the great philosophers, and if you want to start getting mathematical about it, look into Judea Pearl's books.
For something less academic, Ray Dalio is a surprisingly good resource in this area.
Getting your arguments checked by others is critical to making sure your arguments actually make sense in form.
Furthermore, if you are interested in getting started with philosophy I would recommend starting with some books in the "Very Short Introductions" series. Not all of them are good but some of them are and enough of a jumping off point.
[1]: https://fs.blog/blog/
edit: added link
The logic one sounds less practically useful in everyday life (except maybe in analytic philosophy, computer science or linguistics.) The thinking course probably would cover the logic useful in everyday thinking/talking/writing. I hadn't heard of Herbrand logic, but judging by [0] it sounds more like the kind of thing used in programming (lambda calculus/functions and BNF/parsers/compilers) than in traditional logic. But sure, if you find it fascinating, go for it.
[0] http://intrologic.stanford.edu/notes/chapter_09.html
Only in an academic setting does anyone care whether or not an argument is valid or sound or even know what those two mean.
Oh, and as hashr8064 said: Constructing a logically sound argument is one thing - bringing your opinion across to someone else is an entirely different matter. Learn communication skills, and don't neglect the social aspect of an argument ;-)
If you are on those courses, you are likely to be logical enough. Learning to sense misinformation and how to counter and work though it would then add more value to you.
Note: The 4th part, How to Avoid Fallcies, may already be covering the above, though possibly not since the link above only gives "indicators" of "possible" presence of pseudoscience. Avoiding fallacies is different from avoiding pseudoscience.
All of this can also make your life more challenging since you are not and would not be a typical person, but living with many of them. So make sure to master people skills too unless you are already there.