Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system of reasoning: The formal principles and methods used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning.
   • The principles governing reasoning in a specific field: The underlying rationale or set of rules that explain why something happens or should be done in a particular context.
   • Reasoned and reasonable judgment: A sensible, coherent way of thinking about something.
   • The branch of philosophy: The study of the principles of valid inference and correct reasoning.
   • The system of operations in a computer: The fundamental design that dictates how a computer processes information and performs logical operations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Studying formal logic helps improve critical thinking skills.
  • I don't understand the logic behind their decision to close the office.
  • There's a certain logic to keeping your passport in a safe place while traveling.
  • Aristotle is considered a founder of logic.
  • The chip's architecture is based on binary logic.

Advanced Usage

• By that logic...: Used to extend or challenge a line of reasoning.
  • You say exercise is tiring, so we shouldn't do it. By that logic, we shouldn't work or study either.
• Faulty logic / Flawed logic: Reasoning that contains errors or is unsound.
  • His argument was based on flawed logic and several false assumptions.
• Internal logic: The self-consistent rules or principles within a specific system, story, or argument.
  • The film's fantasy world has a compelling internal logic that makes it believable.

Variants and Related Words

• Logical (adj): Characterized by clear, sound reasoning; following the rules of logic.
  • It was the logical conclusion based on the evidence.
• Logician (n): A person who is an expert in or studies logic.
  • The famous logician wrote several books on deductive reasoning.
• Logically (adv): In a way that uses clear, sound reasoning.
  • If we think about this logically, the answer becomes clear.

Synonyms

• Reasoning: The process of thinking about something in a logical way.
• Rationale: The underlying reasons or logic for a course of action.
• Coherence: The quality of being logical and consistent.

Related Phrases

• Follow its own logic: To develop or proceed according to its own internal rules, often leading to an inevitable conclusion.
  • The crisis followed its own logic, escalating despite all attempts at intervention.
• The logic of the situation: The inescapable reasoning imposed by the circumstances.
  • The logic of the situation forced them to act quickly.

Idioms

• It stands to logic: It is reasonable or logical to conclude.
  • If the data is correct, then it stands to logic that our hypothesis is true.
• Twist the logic: To distort or misapply reasoning to support a particular point.
  • He twisted the logic of the report to justify the budget cuts.

Noun

1. a system of reasoning
2. the system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operations
3. the principles that guide reasoning within a given field or situation
   • economic logic requires it
   • by the logic of war
4. reasoned and reasonable judgment
   • it made a certain kind of logic
5. the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference