The power of logic to improve communication, expand creativity, and solve problems in all aspects of life.
Is logic a good tool for making decisions? Can it make us better listeners and help us find coherence in views that we disagree with? Is Sherlock Holmes actually good at logic?
Patrick Girard addresses these and other questions by presenting logic as the guardian of coherence. Logic, Girard argues, finds coherence in the patterns of reasoning across science, religion, and everyday decision making. It helps communities engage safely by replacing contentious debates with shared, constructive reasoning – logic provides neutral ground for the healthy pursuit of common goals and interests. Logic in the Wild employs common sense language, eschewing technical jargon, symbols, and equations. Girard’s attention focuses on logic’s power to find what unites the complex and the simple, the abstract and the concrete, the theoretical and the practical.
In treating logic not as a passive subject to learn but as an active discipline to engage with, Logic in the Wild teaches us to identify patterns in our own reasoning, which inevitably helps us better confront questions central to everyday life.
“I’m very proud of the book and can’t wait for you to read it!”
— Patrick Girard, author
“Logic in the Wild is a winsome, creative, and thoughtful exploration of the power and limits of logical reasoning, and it provides a significant, accessible introduction to logic for a non-specialist audience.”
— Greg Restall, University of St Andrews
About Patrick
Dr. Patrick Girard is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland. Specialising in philosophical logic and non-classical meta-theory, he brings a unique perspective to traditional logical frameworks. His academic path, underlined by a Ph.D. from Stanford University, reflects a deep commitment to exploring and challenging the boundaries of logic.
Dr. Girard's work is not just confined to academia. He is the co-creator of a popular MOOC on Logical and Critical Thinking, which has reached nearly 200,000 learners worldwide, helping to demystify complex concepts and enhance critical thinking skills.
His forthcoming book, "Logic in the Wild," further exemplifies his passion for making logic accessible and relevant beyond academic circles. It promises a stimulating inquiry into how logic manifests in real-world applications.
In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Girard has made notable contributions to the field, including his awarded work on "Everything Else Being Equal: A Modal Logic for Ceteris Paribus Preferences," which was recognised with the Philosopher's Annual prize in 2009.
Photo credit: Bruno Brongar