Should we teach logic in high school?

Question

And I'm talking about simple things in high school. Simply learning the difference between rational and irrational. Learning that just because an object belongs to a group, it does not mean the group necessarily takes on each property of the object. Learning that "all X is a Y" does not mean that "all Ys are Xs."
There are probably real barriers preventing logic from being a given in our schools. There are also many reasons our children continue to lag behind other industrialized nations.

Does anyone agree that logical thought should be valued? Do you believe we should teach it in highschool? Can we? What factors prevented us from already doing so nationwide?

Answer 1

Does anyone agree that logical thought should be valued?
Yes, logical thought is being thrown out the window because students want to be spoonfed facts to pass a test. The thing is that every subject contains some aspect of logic and if students don't learn to be logical people they will struggle in our world.
Do you believe we should teach it in highschool? Can we?
It is taught in High School. Whenever students write a paper, solve a problem or answer a question they are using some sort of logic. Teaching them how to argue a point, plan financing, and keep track of a bowling score is teaching logic.
What factors prevented us from already doing so nationwide?
Time. HS teachers are being bombarded with subjects and topics we are required to teach, and it's difficult enough to do everything expected. Plus we have to worry about NCLB taking funding away, and how well our students did on that last standardized test. We simple run out of time to do what WE think our students will benefit most from; however, it is always possible to squeeze something like logic into almost any topic.

Answer 2

I learned to think logically in HS, and from my parents. I understand what you are trying to ask, but how would it be taught? The logical thinking I learned to do came from my math and science classes. Are they being taught differently now than 25 years ago?

The problem you are going to have teaching logic today will be in the conflict the students see everyday in life. Politicians, the media, scientists, stars, all do and say some pretty illogical things. Logic, unfortunately, is a factor in common sense, of which we, as a nation, have very little. To paraphrase Ben Franklin, common sense isn't very common.

I hear what you are asking, I just do not know how to implement it. The best I can do is to try to teach my daughter, and to a lesser extent, my nieces and nephews, to think logically and use some common sense. I hope someone is able to come up with a solution for you, and that it can be implemented soon.

Answer 3

Logic was taught in secondary education pre WWII. The war brought about the need for technology. To make time for higher math and more science, logic, philosophy, and Latin were the primary sacrifices. All three are important and should be taught in high school, especially logic. Most colleges offer a course or two in logic, but normally as an elective in the humanities.
Source: "A Bridge to Light"

Answer 4

Logic is taught in high school. Classes like psychology, philosophy, math, English and even gym ask you to think in a rational and logical manner every day. This is in stark comparison with the conversations and occurances of high school outside the classroom, where another type of logic is taught: how to act on your feet and respond in real life situations.
High school teachers want to create happy, logical, forward thinking, creative young adults. We really do!

Answer 5

You've got a resounding yes from me. Your first answerer is proving your point quite well, no?

Logical thought is something our high schoolers seriously lack, and it's something teachers and administrators aren't giving enough attention to. One way to do this is to focus more on how to properly write an argumentative paper. Students think they can just rant about their own point of view without providing factual support for their stance. THAT'S illogical. You should come out with some sort of book and accompanying workshop to get administrators on board with the idea. That's the only way it'll get done. :)

Answer 6

Logic is not necessary under the legislation in "no child left behind" so any course on that subject would of course be cut. I teach some logic in my couses, but understand the last thing many teenagers want is logic - they just "want to have fun."

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

If you are a teacher my advice and encouragement would be to work it in, somehow, with the subject matter you are currently teaching. Waiting for the curriculum committee, the administration and the school board to adopt a course in logic is not "logically" advisable.

Go for it!

Answer 8

countless severe colleges, non secular or not, do not prepare about the logical fallacies. Secondly, the French Revolution, the Bible, and the works of Shakespeare all provide perception into human personality. most of the individuals in contact with each and each and every of those 3 categories made stupid, illogical judgements that ended up costing them very dearly (i.e., Robespierre, the unforgiving servant , and Macbeth). through how, human beings recognize what an beside the point own attack is, regardless of in the journey that they don't recognize that "ad hominem" is the time period for it.

Answer 9

Logic is a very important component of the human thinking process. I think high schools should try it for a couple of years and see the difference.

Answer 10

Logic is usually taught in College and is part of the curriculum.