Symbolic Logic and the Game of Logic

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In this unique fusion of logical thought and inimitable whimsy, Over 350 ingenious problems involve classical logic: logic is expressed in terms of symbols; syllogisms and the sorites are diagrammed; logic becomes a game played with 2 diagrams and a set of counters. Two books bound as one.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1958

About the author

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The Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by the pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English author, mathematician, logician, Anglican clergyman and photographer.

His most famous writings are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass as well as the poems "The Hunting of the Snark" and "Jabberwocky", all considered to be within the genre of literary nonsense.

Oxford scholar, Church of England Deacon, University Lecturer in Mathematics and Logic, academic author of learned theses, gifted pioneer of portrait photography, colourful writer of imaginative genius and yet a shy and pedantic man, Lewis Carroll stands pre-eminent in the pantheon of inventive literary geniuses.

He also has works published under his real name.


Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 14 votes)
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July 15,2025
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A mind opener

A local (accredited) university permits a course in Propositional Logic to substitute for algebra. There is even Propositional Calculus. I find algebra to be considerably simpler.

Well, this creature, symbolic logic (Mathematical logic), is not identical, but it is close enough. It is more oriented towards the English language. However, ultimately, it progresses into symbol tables. But it is still a difficult one. Lewis Carroll provides a caution at the front of the book not to attempt to delve into the middle of the book or peek at the last chapter, or else you will be confused and lose your opportunity to learn symbolic logic. Each chapter (I found on each page) builds upon the previous one.

At this time, I am only a few chapters in, yet I view the world of communication in a new light.

For instance:

A person without a concept of electricity sees a switch and knows only that it is on and off, and that's it. Others will look at the switch and perceive the end product of how the electricity functions, from the physical wires to the A.C. concept. They may even trace the power to its source. Then the source of the materials. Then the materials to physics. Then to the quantum. Eventually, from the quantum to us and back to turning on the switch.

All of that is simpler than what this book on logic manages to cover. It is someone's idea of logic.

Amazingly, the mathematician Lewis Carroll could write about something so profound over a century ago and still be entirely accurate. Of course, he does mention cities that use gas for lighting.

So, enjoy, immerse yourself, discuss with friends, and be grateful for this opportunity to expand your mind.

What Carroll did not know:

The less-than sign plus the equals sign (<=) is utilized for an approximation of the less-than-or-equal-to sign (≤).

ASCII does not have a less-than-or-equal-to sign.

But Unicode defines it at code point U+2264.

In BASIC, Lisp-family languages, and C-family languages (including Java and C++), the operator <= means "less than or equal to".
July 15,2025
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Who would say that the master of the absurd was a mathematician and a logician? However, in the end, to break the rules, it is good to know them thoroughly.

This is a very interesting book for those who like logic. For example, it has a graphical version of the theory of syllogisms (which was the first formal system established by the great Aristotle) and at its core is set theory...

The combination of these elements makes the book a unique exploration into the world of logic. It not only presents the fundamental concepts but also offers a fresh perspective through the graphical representation. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner in the field of logic, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and激发 your curiosity.

July 15,2025
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This book is truly so clever and entertaining.

It has the ability to capture the reader's attention from the very beginning and hold it throughout.

The storylines are engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The characters are well-developed, with unique personalities that make them come alive on the page.

I am extremely proud to own a physical copy of this book.

It sits beautifully on my bookshelf, a testament to its quality.

Not only is it a pleasure to look at, but it is also well loved.

I have read it multiple times, and each time I discover something new and exciting.

It is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It is a true gem that will bring joy and entertainment to all who read it.
July 15,2025
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How I wish I could say I really read the whole book.

I only skimmed it, which left me with a sense of longing and dissatisfaction.

I often dream of the day when I can set aside sufficient time to truly master the game of logic that this book presents.

It is evident that anyone with a mathematical and analytical mind would find this a wonderful book.

The concepts and ideas within its pages seem to hold the promise of expanding one's intellectual horizons and enhancing one's problem-solving abilities.

I can envision myself delving deep into the text, carefully dissecting each argument and proof, and emerging with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the beauty of logic.

Until that day comes, I will continue to carry this unfulfilled desire with me, hoping that one day I will have the opportunity to give this book the attention it truly deserves.
July 15,2025
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The first chapters are fun: propositional logic is explained using cakes and funny examples.

However, then a large part of the book is dedicated to exercises and problems without imagination.

It's a pity!

This book starts off in a really engaging way. The use of cakes and humorous examples to explain propositional logic makes it accessible and interesting. It grabs the reader's attention and makes them eager to learn more.

But unfortunately, as the book progresses, it seems to lose its charm. The majority of the content then focuses on dry exercises and problems that lack creativity.

It would have been great if the author had continued to use interesting and unique examples throughout the book to keep the reader's interest alive.

Overall, while the beginning of the book is promising, the latter part is a bit of a letdown.
July 15,2025
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Stunning, thought-provoking, maddeningly brilliant.

These words are often used to describe something that has a profound impact on us. It could be a work of art, a scientific discovery, or a revolutionary idea.

When we encounter something stunning, it takes our breath away. It is so beautiful or extraordinary that we can't help but be amazed.

Thought-provoking things make us stop and think. They challenge our assumptions and force us to look at the world from a different perspective.

Maddeningly brilliant things are those that are so clever and innovative that they almost seem impossible. They make us feel both frustrated and inspired at the same time.

Whether it's a stunning sunset, a thought-provoking book, or a maddeningly brilliant invention, these are the things that make life worth living. They add color and depth to our experiences and make us strive for something greater.

So the next time you encounter something that is stunning, thought-provoking, or maddeningly brilliant, take a moment to appreciate it. Let it inspire you and push you to think outside the box. Because these are the things that have the power to change the world.
July 15,2025
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Comprehensive and cleverly written!

Having studied symbolic logic before, I am unable to speak about the instructive quality for a complete beginner. However, I recall reading in Universe in a Handkerchief by Martin Gardner that one of his child friends, for whom he originally wrote The Game of Logic, did not fully understand it. Nevertheless, I was captivated by this method of exploring logic and relished applying the knowledge I had already gained to the concepts. Reading both of these books together was rather redundant. But I can envision how the information presented in The Game of Logic alone might be meager or inadequate for a true novice. Symbolic Logic delves much deeper into how each facet of solving a logical syllogism functions, whereas The Game of Logic concentrates on how to manipulate the premises to reach a conclusion using the diagram.

It is evident that both books have their own merits and limitations. For those with a prior understanding of symbolic logic, The Game of Logic can offer a different perspective and a practical application of logical concepts. On the other hand, for beginners, Symbolic Logic provides a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the subject.

In conclusion, while both books are valuable in their own ways, it is essential to consider the reader's level of knowledge and background when choosing which one to read.
July 15,2025
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Symbolic Logic and the Game of Logic by Lewis Carroll (1958) is a fascinating work that delves into the world of logic.

Lewis Carroll, known for his creative and imaginative works, brings his unique perspective to the field of logic in these books.

Symbolic Logic explores the use of symbols and rules to represent and analyze logical statements. It presents a systematic approach to understanding and solving logical problems.

The Game of Logic, on the other hand, takes a more playful and interactive approach. It presents logic as a game, allowing readers to engage with logical concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Together, these two works offer a comprehensive introduction to the world of logic. They are suitable for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge of logic.

Whether you are interested in improving your logical thinking skills or simply want to explore the fascinating world of logic, Symbolic Logic and the Game of Logic by Lewis Carroll (1958) are well worth reading.
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