formal logic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal logic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a system of reasoning that follows specific rules and principles, often in the context of philosophy, mathematics, or computer science. Example: "In our philosophy class, we will explore the principles of formal logic and how they apply to argumentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For him, Leibniz is the creator of logistic, i.e., modern formal logic using logical calculi (Scholz 1931, 54, n. 9).

SEP

The Mohists do not investigate formal logic or develop a notion of logical consequence.

SEP

The Bayesian approach, in contrast, offers formally contextualized estimates and utilizes the formal logic desired by investigators.

Crime Science

They do not investigate formal logic or deductive inference, nor formulate an explicit notion of logical consequence.

SEP

See formal logic: modal logic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a formal definition of implication, see formal logic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For an extensive discussion of logic symbols and operations, see formal logic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How do we dump them?" Formal logic as it applies to complexity, computer science, and linguistics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aside from maths, computing and philosophy, there have been recent developments in physics and formal logic.

The Guardian

The closed system of formal logic proved ideal for this need.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Formal logic is an a priori, and not an empirical, study.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formal logic" when referring to the specific branch of logic that deals with the abstract study of propositions and deductive arguments, often contrasted with informal logic or practical reasoning.

Common error

While "formal logic" is precise, avoid using it in everyday conversations or writing where simpler terms like "reasoning" or "logic" would suffice. Overusing technical jargon can make your communication sound pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

"Formal logic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific field of study or a system of reasoning. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe mathematical and philosophical concepts. It's often the subject of sentences or used to modify other nouns, as in "formal logic system".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal logic" is a well-established and frequently used term denoting a specific branch of logic focused on structured and symbolic reasoning. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and finds its primary applications in science, encyclopedias, and news media. While alternative phrases like "mathematical logic" or "symbolic logic" offer similar meanings, "formal logic" is best suited for contexts requiring a clear reference to systems of inference and deductive argumentation. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary jargon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

symbolic logic

Emphasizes the use of symbols and mathematical methods in logic.

mathematical logic

Highlights the application of mathematical principles to logical reasoning.

deductive reasoning

Focuses on the process of drawing conclusions from given premises.

logical calculus

Refers to a specific system of logical rules and operations.

propositional logic

Deals with the study of propositions and their relationships.

predicate logic

Extends propositional logic to include predicates and quantifiers.

inferential reasoning

Focuses on the process of drawing inferences or conclusions.

axiomatic system

Emphasizes the use of axioms as the basis for logical deduction.

logical system

Refers to a comprehensive framework for logical analysis.

reasoning

A more general term encompassing various forms of logical thought.

FAQs

How is "formal logic" applied in computer science?

"Formal logic" is used in computer science for designing programming languages, verifying software correctness, and developing artificial intelligence algorithms. It provides a foundation for automated reasoning and problem-solving.

What's the difference between "formal logic" and informal logic?

"Formal logic" focuses on the structure of arguments and uses symbolic notation to represent propositions and inferences. Informal logic, on the other hand, deals with reasoning in everyday language and considers the context and relevance of arguments. See also: "informal logic".

When is it appropriate to use "formal logic" in writing?

Use "formal logic" when discussing abstract systems of reasoning, mathematical proofs, or philosophical arguments that rely on precise definitions and deductive inferences. It's suitable for academic papers, technical reports, and theoretical analyses.

What are some examples of "formal logic" systems?

Examples of "formal logic" systems include propositional calculus, predicate calculus, modal logic, and temporal logic. These systems provide frameworks for representing and reasoning about different types of statements and relationships.