Understanding Formal and Informal Logic

Formal logic and informal logic are two important parts of critical thinking. They help us understand and analyze arguments, but they do different things.

What is Formal Logic?

• Structure: Formal logic focuses on how arguments are built.
  For example, it works like this: If $P$ happens, then $Q$ must happen too.
  So, if $P$ is true, then $Q$ has to be true as well.

• Strictness: This type of logic follows specific rules and symbols.
  It’s like baking a cake by following a recipe exactly so you get the right result.

What is Informal Logic?

• Context: Informal logic looks at the content and the situation behind arguments.
  For example, we might ask if a politician’s argument makes sense with our values, not just if it follows strict logic.

• Flexibility: It also talks about mistakes in reasoning and how to persuade others.
  Think of it as tasting your dish and adjusting the flavor, instead of just thinking about the ingredients.

So, in short, formal logic is all about the structure of arguments.
But informal logic focuses more on the meaning and the context behind those arguments.