The Reed Thomist Podcast

The Thomistic Mind: Episode 11


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Episode 11 — Syllogisms, Validity, and Sound Reasoning

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the formal study of logic, focusing on how arguments actually work and how to evaluate them correctly.

This lecture introduces:

• Hypothetical syllogisms (“if–then” reasoning)
• Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens, with philosophical and theological examples
• Disjunctive syllogisms (“either/or” reasoning), including biblical cases
• Why arguments can be valid even when their conclusions are false
• The crucial distinction between validity, truth, and soundness

Viewers learn why logic evaluates structure, not persuasion, and why the goal of logic is a sound argument—one with true premises and valid reasoning. The episode concludes with a Gospel example showing a valid but unsound argument about the resurrection.

🎓 Ideal for students of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and anyone seeking clear, disciplined reasoning.

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The Reed Thomist PodcastBy reedthomist