LOGIC TIPS AND TRICKS



Logical Reasoning is part of the coverage of the Professional Level of the civil service exam only. The possible types of questions which may appear in this section of the exam are:

ü  Supplying the Missing Assumption
ü  Supplying the Missing Conclusion
ü  Logical Game or Puzzle


BASIC CONCEPTS

Logic
ü  study the correct versus incorrect reasoning

Argument = Premiss(es) + Conclusion

Example.
Superheroes have supernatural powers.(premiss)
Bruce is a superhero.(premiss)
Therefore, Bruce has supernatural powers.(conclusion)

Example:
Most employees in the call center industry work in the evening.(premiss)
Portia is an employee in the call center industry.(premiss)
Therefore, Portia probably works in the evening.(conclusion)

Premiss
ü  statement which provides  reason for accepting the conclusion.
ü  because of the argument

Conclusion
ü  statement which is established by the premiss(es)
ü  therefore of the argument

Assumption
ü  unstated premiss in the argument

Example:
James is a spy.(minor premiss)
Therefore, James has exceptional talent.(conclusion)

What is the underlying assumption?
Spies have exceptional talent.(The major premiss is missing.)

Stated of otherwise:
Spies have exceptional talent.(major premiss)
James is a spy.(minor premiss)
Therefore, James has exceptional talent.(conclusion)

Example:
Veronica is a private Investigator.(minor premiss)
Therefore, Veronica solve complex mysteries.(conclusion)

What is the underlying assumption?
Private Investigators solves complex mysteries.(The major premiss is missing.)

Stated of otherwise:
Private investigators solve complex mysteries.(major premiss)
Veronica is a private investigator.(minor premiss)
Therefore, Veronica solves complex mysteries(conclusion)

Example:
Mothers are naturally protective of their children.(major premiss)
Therefore, Angelina is naturally protective of her children.(conclusion)

What is the underlying assumption?
Angelina is a mother.(The minor premiss is missing.)

Stated of otherwise:
Mothers are naturally protective to their children.(major premiss)
Angelina is a mother.(minor premiss)
Therefore, Angelina is naturally protective of her children.(conclusion)

Example:
Sheldon is a scientist.(minor premiss)
Therefore, Sheldon is brilliant.(conclusion)

What is the underlying assumption?
Scientist are brilliants.(The major premiss is missing.)

Stated of otherwise:
Scientist are brilliants.
Sheldon is a scientist.
Therefore, Sheldon is brilliant.

Example.
Entrepreneurs are ambitious.(major premiss)
Therefore, Steve is ambitious.(conclusion)

What is the underlying assumption?
Steve is an entrepreneur.(The minor premiss is missing.)

Stated of otherwise:
Entrepreneurs are ambitious.(major premiss)
Steve is an entrepreneurs .(minor premiss)
Therefore, Steve is ambitious.(conclusion)

Example:
The death penalty should be imposed to curb the high crime rate in the Philippines.
What is the underlying assumption in the above argument?


First, identify the premiss and the conclusion. Because there is a high crime rate in the Philippines(premiss), therefore, the death penalty should be imposed(conclusion). Next, identify the author's assumption. This is the gap or the missing link in the explanation. What is the connection between the given premiss and the conclusion? Why should imposing the death penalty  curb the high crime rate in the Philippines?. The author assumes the imposing the most severe penalty would discourage criminals from committing crimes.