This contributed volume explores the ways logical skills have been perceived over the course of history. The authors approach the topic from the lenses of philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and history to examine two opposing perceptions of logic: the first as an innate human ability and the second as a skill that can be learned and mastered. Chapters focus on the social and political dynamics of the use of logic throughout history, utilizing case studies and critical analyses. Specific topics covered include:

• the rise of logical skills
• problems concerning medieval notions of idiocy and rationality
• decolonizing natural logic
• natural logic and the course of time Logical Skills: Social-Historical Perspectives will appeal to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers in the fields of history, sociology, philosophy, and logic. Psychology and colonialstudies scholars will also find this volume to be of particular interest.

Autorentext
Julie Brumberg-Chaumont, Research Professor - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (PSL/CNRS)Claude Rosental, Research Professor - Sociology, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)

Inhalt

1. IntroductionPart I. Primitives and Civilized MenChapter 2. Decolonizing Natural LogicChapter 3. Natural Logic, Anthropological Antilogies, and Savage Thought in the 19th CenturyChapter 4. Referring to Logical Skills to Assess the Rationality of an Ethnic Group: The Zande Case in the History of the Social SciencesChapter 5. Some Stages of Logical Thought: From Native Certainties to Acquired DoubtsPart II. Educated and Disabled MenChapter 6. The Rise of Logical Skills and the 13th Century Origins of the Logical ManChapter 7. Anti-dialecticians in the Middle Ages: Historiographic Myth or Reality?Chapter 8. Illogical Thinking: Problems Concerning Medieval Notions of Idiocy and RationalityChapter 9. Natural Logic and the Course of Time: From Theology to Developmental PsychologyIndex