Engines of Logic is a thoroughly enjoyable mix of biographical portraits and theoretical mathematics. If, in places, the mathematical/logical ideas are not so clearly developed, we don't fault the author. In a book of this size (slim) and scope (broad), one can only hope to find a decent overview of a particular subject matter. Engines of Logic is more than decent; it is highly entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking. The great pleasure Davis took in writing it springs from every page. Davis is a fine guide through some very abstruse mathematical and computer science fields -- to which he himself has been a significant contributor. This book is a first-rate piece of popular science.
Constructive type theory was first presented in 1970 by Swedish
logician Per Martin-Lof. Since then, it has become one of the main
approaches in the foundations of mathematics and computer science.
However, although it provides a considerable extension of the concepts
and techniques of logic, it remains relatively unknown among linguists
and philosophers.
The explosive progress of logic, since Frege, has produced applications
in linguistics, mathematics and computer science. Students and
practitioners of any of these fields, and of philosophy, will find this
book an excellent reference or introduction. Now expanded to include
non-classical logic, logic for the computer, and more. The central
concepts are explained as they come into play in informal writing and
conversation--argument, validity, relevance, and so on. This study
guide progresses to concepts such as probability calculus.
Truth, etc. is a wide-ranging study of ancient logic based upon the John Locke lectures given by the eminent philosopher Jonathan Barnes in Oxford. The book presupposes no knowledge of logic and no skill in ancient languages: all ancient texts are cited in English translation; and logical symbols and logical jargon are avoided so far as possible. Anyone interested in ancient philosophy, or in logic and its history, will find much to learn and enjoy here.
Magicians, ogres, dragons, genies and wizards show how to do the most popular logic puzzle types: elimination, crossing the river, measurement, probability, more.
This book provides a good brief introduction to logic puzzles. Readers
get to explore classic problems involving those who (always) tell the
truth and those who (always or sometimes) lie; how to cross rivers with
limited capacity boats, etc. Each chapter begins with simple riddles
that introduce the ideas of one particular type of logic problem.
Successive problems are more difficult. By the end of each chapter,
readers can solve very complicated problems.
This is an excellent introduction to logic problems. An entire chapter of hints can help those who are unsure of how to proceed.
