The Imperative of Logic in Composition and Writing

Abstract

Logic as an academic discipline focuses on the science of reasoning, inference and proof. However, these are different goals from it practical application in composition and writing. Most writers appear to ignore the importance or value of logic as a veritable tool towards effective writing and composition. Whenever logic is employed in composition or writing the emphasis seems to be towards the determination of the reasoning behind an argument as either being valid or invalid and using same to support or reject a thesis. Though the goals are different, a degree of familiarity with logic and the structure of well-formed arguments and reasoning are very necessary and vital in assisting writers to construct valid arguments/reasoning to support their theses and the evaluation and refutation of invalid arguments/reasoning employed in supporting others’ theses. Indeed, the lack of the understanding of logic and its principles has been a problem to effective writing and composition. Without a sound logic, there cannot be intellectually stimulating writing and composition. This has been the bane of scholarly writing and composition. It is on the basis of this therefore that we will examine the simple basics of logical argument, types of argument, some of the mistakes that are likely to be made when logic is used incorrectly. We will at the end establish the functionality and imperative of logic.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n4p473