Material Logic Student Text, Third Edition

According to author Martin Cothran, the study of material logic is largely ignored today, where the focus is primarily on teaching formal logic. While formal logic is valuable as it focuses on the structure of an argument, material logic is concerned with the content of an argument–specifically it deals with the truth of the terms and the propositions in an argument. Learning how to think and effectively reason balances on understanding both formal and material logic.

Designed as a follow up to Traditional Logic or as a high school level introductory thinking course, this flexible study may be used as a one or two semester course. Taking a systematic approach to the subject, Material Logic studies the basic divisions of material logic: Modes of being, modes of knowledge, and modes of argumentation or demonstrations. Within these divisions students will study the ten ways something can exist; the five predictables or ways you can say something about something else; the modes of knowledge including the four causes; and analyze argumentation in light of the different modes of argument. Written to be easy to use and accessible for students, this course guides students through clearly defined and articulated rules for thinking.

The Textbook contains 15 chapters with the student readings and the helpful appendices. The consumable Student Workbook provides a sample schedule, model lesson plan for a teacher presentation, and the daily practice exercises. Daily exercises vary and include short answers and fill-in-the-blank questions, true or false questions, charts to complete, and more. The consumable Quizzes and Test Book includes 14-chapter quizzes and a final exam. Answers for the Student Workbook exercises and Tests & Quizzes are included in the Teacher Key. Also available are Instructional DVDs or Streaming Video lessons taught by Martin Cothran. Components are available individually or in sets.