Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking: The Skills of Reasoning and the Virtues of Inquiry

by T. Ryan Byerly

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2017

Overview

This robust, clear, and well-researched textbook for classes in logic introduces students to both formal logic and to the virtues of intellectual inquiry. Part 1 challenges students to develop the analytical skills of deductive and inductive reasoning, showing them how to identify and evaluate arguments. Part 2 helps students develop the intellectual virtues of the wise inquirer. The book includes helpful pedagogical features such as practice exercises and a concluding summary with definitions of key concepts for each chapter.

Key Features

• Includes a very substantial introduction to a wide range of techniques in deductive and inductive logic
• Discusses how the Christian tradition might illuminate understanding of a skill in reasoning or a virtue of inquiry
• Contains practice exercises

Contents

Part 1: The Skills of Reasoning

• Introduction to Arguments
• Deductive Logic
• Inductive Logic

Part 2: The Virtues of Inquiry

• Internal Virtues
• Virtues of Intellectual Dependence
• Virtues of Intellectual Dependability

Praise for Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking

This excellent textbook both introduces students to logic and invites them to lives of intellectual virtue. Even better, it exemplifies the virtues that it discusses. Byerly’s book is a real gift--one that deserves widespread appreciation and use. I won’t hesitate to use this book in my own classes, and I will continue to learn from it as well.

Thomas H. McCall, professor of biblical and systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

The Christian academic world has long been waiting for an introduction to logic and critical thinking that is meticulous, lucidly written, relevant, and at the same time attentive to the faith of the church. This is precisely what T. Ryan Byerly provides. Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking is a superb book that will help students to think in a way that is crucial for the mission of the church today.

Andrew Torrance, lecturer in theology, University of St. Andrews

Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking offers a clear and approachable introduction to formal and informal logic. What differentiates it from other logic textbooks is its focus in part 2 on the virtues of inquiry, where Byerly makes a strong case that good reasoning involves fostering various excellences of thought—both individually and communally. This unique approach will help students to see the practical importance of logic for their own flourishing. I highly recommend this book.

Kevin Timpe, William H. Jellema Chair in Christian Philosophy, Calvin College

Product Details

• Title: Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking: The Skills of Reasoning and the Virtues of Inquiry
• Author: T. Ryan Byerly
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Critical thinking; Logic
• ISBNs: 9781493410804, 1493410806
• Resource ID: LLS:NTRDCNGLGCVNQRY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-05-19T21:28:35Z

About T. Ryan Byerly

T. Ryan Byerly (PhD, Baylor University) is lecturer in philosophy of religion at the University of Sheffield in Sheffield, England. He previously taught at Regent University. He is the author of The Mechanics of Divine Foreknowledge and Providence and coeditor of Paradise Understood: New Philosophical Essays about Heaven.