Introductory Logic by James Nance and Douglas Wilson

My family tried to use the first edition of the Introductory Logic text when it was authored by only Douglas Wilson and had no videos. It didn't work for us. The 3rd Edition was a significant improvement, and this 4th Edition is even better. Nance has raised this course to the top of its class.

The text teaches categorical syllogisms. Traditionally, the study of syllogisms comprised the largest portion of the study of logic. It is an important part of logic and needs to be grasped well. Nace also covers informal fallacies, but he does not do as good a job as he does with syllogisms.

The Introductory Logic video course by James Nance and Douglas Wilson, 4th Edition, contains:

Textbook
Answer Key
Test Booklet
2 DVDs

I would not begin your studies in logic with this course. Students need an introduction which is less abstract and more fun and practical. I would compare the difficulty of this course with an Algebra II text.

Introductory Logic is often sold separate from the DVDs. I do not recommend using Introductory Logic without the videos. The Lessons in the text are too difficult for students without Mr. Nance's video lectures.

Publisher: Canon Press
Subjects Covered: Basic logic terminology, categorical syllogisms, logical fallacies, Christian philosophy of logic
Self-teaching: **** Explains concepts adequately well, without gaps, visual presentation, comprehensive exercises
Suggested Ages: 16-adult
Thoroughness: Covers foundational & traditional logic well
Best Features: Visual presentation, systematic structure, comprehensive exercises
Worst Features: Lectures are somewhat dry, logical fallacies are not well covered, lack of practical applications

How to Use Introductory Logic in a Homeschool

The textbook is divided into 36 Lessons, with exercises for each lesson. The Answer Key booklet has the answers to these exercises. There are 8 tests in the Test Booklet which are to be used periodically throughout the course, and one Comprehensive Test at the end.

The 2 DVDs are divided into 20 Sessions. Each Session covers one or two Lessons in the textbook.

Read the Lessons in the text which correspond with that day's video Session. (At the back of the Text Booklet is a table that shows which DVD Session should be used with each Lesson.)
Watch the video lesson and take notes. If you have trouble understanding what Mr. Nance teaches, then you may want to watch the video lessons more than once.
Do the exercises in the text and correct them with the Answer Key.
If you have the opportunity to do this course with others, you might want to do the exercises and tests orally as a group. This may help you with problems that you don't understand.
Do tests in the Text Booklet as they come due. Review any problems which you miss on the test until you understand why you missed them. Don't proceed to the next video Sesson until you get at least 90% correct on the test.
Take the Comprehensive Test at the end.

Mr. Nance's logic class at Logos School in Idaho uses three months of one hour classes, five days a week, to finish this course. We would expect that homeschool students will take a little longer longer time to finish this course. I think thirty minutes is a good time to spend each day. Every lesson in this course is difficult.

Comments

1 • Justin J. • May 26, 2008 • 7:40 AM

This is a great logic course.