Logic School

During the Logic School years, the teaching method shifts from singing and chants to discussion, debate, and argument. Students continue to make use of the “tool” of singing and chanting, but the over-riding emphasis becomes argument and debate. Students are taught socratically, with a good bit of give and take (dialectic) between teacher and students. Logic is introduced as a central or “paradigm” subject, which is integrated into almost every other class students take. Special emphasis is given to the study and detection of logical fallacies.

Logic has a central place in the curriculum in that it is a subject and skill that is applied and used in virtually every other class. For example, students in history, literature or science classes will be required to think logically about the content they study and to expose any fallacies they detect in texts, presentations and classmates (respectfully of course). Their writing in these classes will be assessed for their logical sharpness, and examinations will also presuppose and exercise logical skill.

Students study the various types of logic including informal logic, categorical and symbolic logic. While these designations sound intimidating, they are learned well by adolescent students generally inclined to…argue. In addition to logic, students in the Logic School also study traditional subjects like science, history, math, literature and foreign language. Music and art are also part of the Logic curriculum.

Like the Grammar School, the culture of the Logic School is one of order, peace, courtesy, and enthusiasm. Students in the Logic School, however, are encouraged to debate and challenge one another in a socratic, energetic, yet respectful manner. In these classes, in the midst of discussion and debate, students do not always raise their hands to speak, but learn to wait their turn and inject their comments and questions in an appropriate fashion. Debate and discussion guidelines are given, monitored, and enforced by our Logic teachers.