Snow White was Irrational: Logic for the intuitive

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Cornell Notes

Main Notes

  • Subject: Formal logic and puzzle solving, grades 5-8
  • Time required: 3 hours per week
  • Logic study progression: Grades 5-6 as warm-up, Grade 7 for formal logic
  • Prerequisites: Good grasp of parts of speech, ability to distinguish subject from predicate
  • Fifth and sixth-grade preparation: Focus on grammar, develop critical thinking skills
  • Spend 3 teaching periods (1 hour each) per week on logic puzzles
  • Use Critical Thinking Company's Building Thinking Skills books for logic warm-ups
  • Mind Benders books recommended for word-focused students
  • Sixth-grade: Introduce logic with Critical Thinking, Book One and Book Two
  • Focus on fallacies and application to real-life examples in sixth grade
  • Seventh-grade: Begin formal logic study with Memoria Press's Traditional Logic
  • Alternative seventh-grade option: The Art of Argument for logical fallacies study
  • Eighth-grade: Optional continuation with Traditional Logic II
  • Online resources available: Memoria Press's Online Academy for tutorials
  • Logic study enhances critical thinking across all subjects
  • Emphasize the application of logic to other subjects, such as history
  • Curriculum aims to develop clear reasoning, fallacy identification, and argument construction

Cue Column

  • Why is grammar mastery crucial for logic study?
  • How do logic puzzles prepare students for formal logic?
  • What key differences exist between early and later grade logic study?
  • How can parents assess readiness for formal logic?
  • What role do fallacies play in logic education?
  • How does logic study relate to other subjects?
  • What are the benefits of delaying formal logic if needed?
  • How can logic puzzles be incorporated into daily routines?
  • What skills are prerequisite for Traditional Logic I?
  • How does logic enhance critical thinking in other areas?
  • Why is the progression from puzzles to formal logic important?
  • How does the study of fallacies improve reasoning skills?
  • What is the significance of applying logic to real-life examples?
  • How does the Cornell Notes system enhance logic study?
  • Why is consistent practice crucial in developing logical thinking?

Summary

This chapter outlines a comprehensive approach to teaching logic within classical education. It emphasizes building a strong foundation in grammar and critical thinking before introducing formal logic concepts. The curriculum is structured to progressively develop logical reasoning skills from grades 5 through 8.

The approach begins with logic puzzles and critical thinking exercises in grades 5 and 6, using resources like Building Thinking Skills and Mind Benders. This prepares students for more structured logic study in later years. The sixth grade introduces basic logical categories and fallacies through texts like Critical Thinking, Books One and Two.

Formal logic study typically begins in seventh grade with Traditional Logic I, though this can be delayed if needed. An alternative approach using The Art of Argument is suggested for students who may not be ready for traditional logic. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of mastering grammar and parts of speech as prerequisites for successful logic study.

The chapter also touches on the application of logic to other subjects, such as history, demonstrating how logical analysis can deepen understanding across disciplines. Overall, the curriculum aims to develop students' ability to reason clearly, identify fallacies, and construct valid arguments—skills that are valuable across all areas of study and life.

Action Items

    • Spend 2 hours per week in 5th or 6th grade
    • Use storybooks, puzzles, and fun activities to explore terms and methods
    • Select from recommended resources like 'Adventures in Reason' series or 'Blast Off With Logic' series

    • Dedicate 3 hours per week for 2 years (typically 6th and 7th grade)
    • Use a curriculum like 'The Art of Argument' followed by 'The Argument Builder'
    • Alternatively, use the 'Critical Thinking' series from the Critical Thinking Company

    • Allocate 4 hours per week in 8th grade
    • Choose a curriculum like 'Traditional Logic I' or 'The Discovery of Deduction'
    • Consider continuing with a second year of formal logic in 9th grade if appropriate

    • Practice distinguishing between statements, questions, and commands
    • Focus on identifying statements that can be classified as true or false

    • Teach students to identify the facts (premises) and final deduction (conclusion) in an argument
    • Practice constructing simple arguments with clear premises and conclusions

    • Introduce fallacies such as post hoc ergo propter hoc, hasty generalization, and appeal to authority
    • Provide examples from fairy tales, history, or current events to illustrate these fallacies
    • Have students practice identifying fallacies in various contexts

    • Teach the four types: universal affirmative, universal negative, particular affirmative, and particular negative
    • Practice identifying and creating examples of each type

    • Explain the structure of a syllogism (major premise, minor premise, conclusion)
    • Teach the rules for constructing valid syllogisms
    • Practice identifying and correcting flaws in syllogisms, such as the undistributed middle

    • Apply logical analysis to historical arguments or scientific theories
    • Encourage students to use logical structures in their own writing and argumentation

    • Assess student's grammatical understanding before beginning formal logic study
    • Be prepared to delay or extend the logic curriculum if needed

Resources

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