the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference
"During our debate on whether the conclusion necessarily followed from the premises, we spent too much time discussing emotional appeals instead of applying strict logic to analyze the inference."
the principles that guide reasoning within a given field or situation
"economic logic requires it"
"by the logic of war"
the system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operations
"The technician explained that upgrading the old mainframe required rewriting its logic to handle modern binary calculations."
a system of reasoning
"The detective solved the cold case by applying strict logic to the scattered clues found at the scene."
A method of human thought that involves thinking in a linear, step-by-step manner about how a problem can be solved. Logic is the basis of many principles including the scientific method.
"The detective used strict logic to piece together the clues and identify the culprit by following each event in chronological order."
In plain English: Logic is the way of thinking that uses clear reasons to reach correct conclusions.
"The computer program failed because it lacked the logic to handle that specific error."
Usage: Use logic to describe reasoning that follows a clear, step-by-step process to solve problems or reach conclusions. It refers specifically to the soundness of an argument rather than just any opinion or idea.
To engage in excessive or inappropriate application of logic.
"He tried to apply strict logical reasoning to a situation that required empathy, completely missing the point of everyone's emotions."
In plain English: To use logic means to think clearly by using reason to figure out what is true or right.
"The strange claim does not logically follow from the evidence provided."
Usage: Use the verb form to logic only when describing someone who applies reasoning rigidly and illogically, often to justify an absurd conclusion; this is distinct from simply thinking carefully. Be aware that using it as a standard synonym for "reasoning" or "thinking logically" would be considered incorrect usage in modern English.
logical
"The detective's conclusion felt completely logical given all the evidence she had gathered at the crime scene."
In plain English: When something is logical, it makes perfect sense and follows a clear line of reasoning.
"His logic-free argument was impossible to follow."
Usage: Do not use "logic" as an adjective; instead, use the word "logical" to describe something that follows reason or sound judgment. The noun "logic" refers only to the system of reasoning itself, not to the quality of being reasoned.
The word logic comes from the Ancient Greek term logikos, which originally described something pertaining to reason or discourse. It traveled into English through Middle English borrowings from Latin and Old French.