The first thing to go out the window when you are in an argument is logic. It’s a fact. Our brains switch to fight or flight mode and logic is long forgotten. It’s basic human nature to defend ourselves as opposed to thinking logically and solving a problem. If logical thinking was natural to our thought process, our lives (and arguments) would be completely different. The good news is that our brain can be trained to develop our logical reasoning and also to recognise logical fallacies which people commonly use unknowingly. The books on this reading list are some of the best books on logic which will help improve your logical reasoning and win every argument.
What are logical reasoning and logical fallacies?
Let’s start out with some simple definitions before we jump in to the books.
Logical reasoning is built on inferences. Inferences are the connections that are established between a given sentence (or premise) and another sentence (or conclusion).
Sounds confusing, doesn’t it? But to explain it simply, given a premise you ask yourself a number of questions whereby you draw conclusions. Logical thinking skills are important because they can help you reason through important decisions, solve problems, generate creative ideas and set goals—all of which are necessary for resolving arguments and also career development.
Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that renders an argument invalid. They are actually identifiable and many have been named. You would be surprised at how many we actually use (and fall for) without knowing it. By being able to identify these fallacies, you will be able to stay focussed in an argument and not be deterred from your logical reasoning.
Now that we know what logical reasoning is and why it is so important, let’s take a look at some of the best books on logic.
Best books on Logic
- Audible Audiobook
- Dr Madsen Pirie (Author) – Chris Courtenay (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/30/2023 (Publication Date) – Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (Publisher)
Madsen Pirie shows readers how to win an argument in every situation. Be it in writing, on social media or with a friend, he provides a guide to winning every time. The book shows readers how to identify the weaknesses in other people’s arguments and how to strengthen their thinking to abuse these weaknesses. It opens a whole can of worms in terms of teaching you to use fallacies to your advantage but all in all, it is an excellent read to get you using logic in ways you never thought possible.
- Audible Audiobook
- Scott Lovell (Author) – Timothy Burke (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/24/2018 (Publication Date) – Scott Lovell (Publisher)
This book will give you the tools to fight logical fallacies and make your arguments foolproof. By teaching you how to argue, the author guarantees you will always have the upper hand in an argument. Whether you want to be a great debater or just good at arguments in general, this book will get you on the right track.
- Audible Audiobook
- D.Q. McInerny (Author) – Al Kessel (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/16/2019 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
Author, D. Q. McInerny, covers the sources of illogical thinking in this book, from naïve optimism to narrow-mindedness, before teaching readers how to master logical thinking. By covering both aspects, readers will be able to sharpen their skills and protect against being misled. The book provides examples and insights to provide a guide on how to use logic to get ahead in everyday life.
- Audible Audiobook
- Eugenia Cheng (Author) – Moira Quirk (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/12/2018 (Publication Date) – Hachette Audio (Publisher)
Mathematician, Eugenia Cheng, shares her thoughts with readers about how logic sometimes falls prey to emotion. Which is only natural in the world we live in given that we are exposed to ads and stories which are meant to stir our emotions. Cheng shows us how to use logic and alogic together to give us the best possible advantage in life. Insightful, useful, and funny, this book is for anyone who wants to think more clearly.
- Audible Audiobook
- Michael Withey (Author) – Steven Crossley (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/23/2019 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
This book is a clear, systematic guide to recognizing logical fallacies and constructing effective arguments. This book breaks down the common logical fallacies and explores them through real-life examples. This helps the reader understand how and when they are used to undermine them in an argument. Filled with empowering strategies, this book will give you the upper hand by teaching you what to recognize.
- Audible Audiobook
- Steven Schuster (Author) – Lewis Hutton (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 02/28/2018 (Publication Date) – Steven Schuster (Publisher)
Steven Schuster explains how everything works in systems and the different dynamics they have. Be it school, work or your family, these systems operate differently and the more you know about their nature, the more likely you are to have better solutions to your problems. Making you more logical and rational, this book will improve your critical thinking and analyzing ability.
- Audible Audiobook
- Bo Bennett (Author) – Bo Bennett (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/11/2014 (Publication Date) – eBookIt.com (Publisher)
This book is all about logical fallacies. The author goes into great detail explaining over 300 logical fallacies which will make the reader see the world in a whole new light. It has examples for readers to easily understand each fallacy and how it is used. This book is for anyone who wants to improve their reasoning skills.
It may not seem like it, but these books on logic provide vital lessons which we need to get through our daily lives. Logical fallacies are not just used in arguments but also in daily campaigns, messages and conversations. Much like dark psychology, if we are unaware of it, it can change the way we see things. This is why our logical reasoning should be on point. No matter the situation, it can help you win arguments, solve problems and see things more clearly. So go on, put your logical thinking caps on and try one of these books on logic!
If you want to find more books to help you get ahead, be sure to check out our other reading lists!
