The Game of Logic

2.5/10
mimi’s rating

Lewis Carroll, best known for his whimsical fiction, turns his attention to the rigorous structure of thought in this 1886 treatise. Rather than presenting logic as a dry academic exercise, Carroll frames it as a game, utilizing a system of colored counters to represent logical propositions. This pedagogical approach allows readers to manipulate abstract concepts physically, making the rules of inference and deduction tangible and accessible.

The text serves as an introduction to symbolic logic, guiding the reader through the construction of valid arguments and the identification of fallacies. By blending mathematical precision with a playful, game-like methodology, Carroll bridges the gap between formal logic and recreational mathematics. The work reflects his broader intellectual interest in the mechanics of reasoning, offering a unique perspective on how logical structures can be explored through play rather than mere rote memorization.

Description adapted from Open Library bibliographic data ↗.