Log In

Logic Essentials: How to Think Well

Class
Michael Gold
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(162)
We will learn some basics of logic fundamental to efficient, effective thinking in this brief intro to practical, intermediate/advanced logic -- logic which helps us make the most of our lives.

Class experience

To know what a concept is and how we form them.
To know rules and standards for forming concepts.
To know what a definition is and how it is important.
To know rules of forming good definitions, and how they are contextual. 
To know some rules for classifying concepts.
To know what induction is and how we use it.
To know rules for forming valid generalizations. 
To know what cognitive integration is and rules for practicing it. 
I have a degree in Philosophy, but have also studied logic and epistemology through the years, and have studied the history of science. Students have learned deep logic from me even when studying some other subject like math, SAT/ACT, physical fitness, or physics. 

What matters is not so much my credentials (which, yes!, I have, as you can see in my profile bio), but the success of my students. 

Those successes are any teacher's real credentials. Here are some:

Dylan T, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s: "I really did learn more than geometry and math taking classes with you. I learned to reason and use logic to start solving things in everyday life. It’s pretty useful at work when I use reasoning to find root causes, and to find and fix problems. You teach people how to THINK!"

Joe S, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s: "I tutored with Michael for physics and calculus at the end of my senior year of high school in order to prepare myself for my first semester of engineering at Texas A&M University. Not only was I prepared enough to feel comfortable and excel in the coursework my 1st semester but Michael introduced me to thinking about problems as a whole and inductively (a thought process which has helped in every form of learning). To this day, 7 years later, I still use this method to help me solve problems and learn, in work and in life, more effectively. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking to not only improve their grades but also to improve their ability to problem-solve and appreciate learning."

Jacob L, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s:  “Michael provokes and encourages logical, rational thinking that you will use beyond your time with him. He helped me develop critical thinking that immensely benefited me. He will teach you how to deconstruct complex problems and come to a decision yourself.”

Rajiv R, ex-junior high and high school student, said when in his 20s:  "Michael sets the standard for excellence among tutoring services. I was a student of Michael Gold for around 7 years, and the education I received has had an immeasurably positive impact on my life.

"I originally only sought out tutoring for Geometry & Algebra, during middle school, in order to place into higher level math classes. I found the tutoring to be so valuable that I continued my lessons even after placing into and acing my desired courses -- I received tutoring in math through high school and some of college (all the way up to 3D Calculus). Additionally, I received tutoring for English and Grammar, Physics, SAT prep and more.

"Gold's tutoring helped me achieve A's in my classes and great scores on standardized tests, but this was just the 'tip of the iceberg.' With each lesson I also learned how to better think logically, carefully, and reasonably. These skills are essential to life and have helped me immensely - I still use the learning/study methods I developed through Gold's lessons to earn top scores in many college courses and to do well in my work and hobbies.

"I will forever be grateful to Gold Academy, and highly recommend the service to any student who is looking to start learning, thinking and living."

Case study:
Rajiv R, who I tutored privately for several years, said he earned a 102 in Immunology at a major Texas university, the highest grade his Professor had given in 20 years of teaching that course. But I did not tutor him in Immunology. I do not know Immunology. While working with him in high school math and science, I taught him (1) how to reason and be logical, (2) how science really works, not how it is often regarded, (3) how to study and memorize. He took those tools and achieved excellence on his own, going beyond all other students from around the country. 

In a high school animal science course, Raj gave a presentation to three trained, degreed, experienced veterinarians. He discussed the diet best for cats. He disagreed with the vets, but understood the topic so well, was so well-researched and so well-prepared, that he won his case. He understood better than they. 
We will not use a text. I will provide our material. 

If you would like to pursue more logic on your own in the future, I'd recommend:
1. The Art of Reasoning by David Kelley (ISBN-13: 978-0393972139; ISBN-10: 0393972135):  https://www.amazon.com/Art-Reasoning-Third-David-Kelley/dp/0393972135
2. An Introduction to Logic by H. W. B. Joseph:
i.  https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Logic-H-W-Joseph/dp/1889439177
Ii. https://archive.org/details/cu31924032298949/mode/2up
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(162)
Profile
I teach individual and group classes in math (arithmetic through calculus and statistics), physics, chemistry,  nature study ("natural history"), SAT prep, ACT prep, grammar, writing, logic, thinking skills, and physical fitness. 

Being a... 
Group Class

$350

for 12 classes
2x per week, 6 weeks
90 min

Completed by 28 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
4-15 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyTerms
Outschool International
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool