In this episode of Talking to AI, we delve into logic, the fourth foundational branch in the Philosophy 101 series after epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Host Paul and the AI co-host discuss why logic is often considered the quiet backbone of philosophical reasoning, highlighting its fundamental place beneath even metaphysics and ethics. The conversation navigates classical logic—with its binary truths and syllogisms—moves through propositional and predicate logic, and explores how these systems form the bedrock of clear rational thinking and even underpin modern computation.

The episode then opens up to informal logic, emphasizing the ubiquity of fallacies in everyday reasoning and debate. Listeners receive practical advice for spotting errors in arguments, whether deliberate or out of habit, and learn not just to memorize fallacies but to cultivate careful, skeptical habits of mind. From cherry-picking data to base rate neglect and the gambler’s fallacy, the discussion highlights common pitfalls and the importance of pausing to think critically.

Additionally, the episode touches on advanced concepts, such as probability logic and paradoxes, illustrating why logic is more a compass for honest thinking than a simple checklist for catching errors. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to approach arguments not as battles to win but as opportunities to avoid self-deception and become better thinkers.

🎙️ Hosted by Paul at Talking to AI — where real people, real problems, and real conversations meet artificial intelligence.