Nature Of Logic

The Nature of Logic and Perception

The perception of a specific circumstance and the logic used to reach that perception can be extremely different from the actual situation. In general, a certain issue can only be determined through the process of critical thinking. However one can not forget that logic and perception are related to critical thinking as well. There is a strong relationship between logic and critical thinking skills. Ignoring the critical thinking process and reaching a "logical conclusion" based on conjectures and emotions could lead to a wrong or misguided conclusion.

In order to have a more concrete understanding of the relationship between critical thinking and logic, it is necessary to first define each one. "Critical thinking is a mental process of analyzing or evaluating information, particularly statements or propositions that are offered as true. It is a process of reflecting upon the meaning of statements, examining the offered evidence and reasoning, and forming judgments about the facts" (Wikipedia, 2007). Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2007) defines logic as "a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration: the science of the formal principles of reasoning." These two terms make it clear that there is a relationship between the two, however they can also be viewed as completely different topics. When a decision is reached solely on logic, it may include inferences and reasoning clouded by personal judgments such as enculturation. "Enculturation has many different sources or influences. One of the major influences is the family in which we grow up. There we learn our religious beliefs, ethical standards, prejudices and stereotypes, eating habits, and worldview" (Kirby & Goodpaster, 1999). The method of critical thinking, if applied correctly, should lead to decisions that are not blurred by personal barriers.

Throughout my life I have developed my own sense of perception and logic that is filled with personal obstacles. The foundation of those barriers starts with my childhood. I, like every other person, experienced enculturation and other influences while growing up, such as my family and the environment that I was raised in. One example in which my perception of reality was far from the actual reality, stemmed from my mother's career path. My mother had had a career in Hollywood as an actress and producer. She was one of the Romper Room ladies and for a long time did many theatre shows. When I was younger I would go with her to rehearsals for shows and tag along to the TV. sets to watch her pretend to be someone else. It was very fascinating to me. Of course I loved being part of the pretend world, what kid wouldn't. When we would go out to eat there were many times that people would stop and talk with her because of her position as a producer or actress. There was even one time when the wife of a very well known producer told me that meeting my mother was bigger