Being Logical Chapter Summaries

Book Review: “Being Logical” by D.Q. McInerny

Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking was written by D.Q. McInerny in 2004 and published by Random House Publishing (ISBN: 0-8129-7115-9). It is a compact book of 137 pages that retails for $11.95. Professor McInerny has an extensive teaching career for prestigious universities such as Notre Dame, the University of Kentucky, and currently at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Lincoln, Nebraska. He teaches philosophy and logic and has also written textbooks on these subjects (Random House). In the preface of the book, McInerny discusses that this book is written as a practical guidebook that gives readers an introduction into the principles of logic (McInerny, 2004, p. x). McInerny’s goal

He feels that it is missing from the American education system yet it is a skills that is required to understand other subjects (McInerny, 2004, p. ix). The information is presented in a basic manner and can sometimes feel obvious but the author is intentionally assuming that the reader is a novice at logic (McInerny, 2004, p. x).
The book is separated into five parts. Part One of the book is titled “preparing the mind for logic.’ This section stresses the importance of looking at details and at facts. Many mistakes can occur because not enough attention is being paid (McInerny, 2004, p. 3). It is important to pay attention and making sure you understand the facts (McInerny, 2004, p. 4). Also, one should avoid ambiguous language and be clear and concise since that is how errors in communication can occur (McInerny, 2004, p. 11). Ideas should match the words that you are saying since it is part of

I do agree that even though this topic seems like common sense, it may not be as clear to everyone. The author makes a point about clear communication. “It is impossible to have clear communication without clear thinking. How can I give you a clear idea of something if it is not first clear in my mind (McInerny, 2004, p. 14)? This point alone is critical. I feel that in the professional world, clear communication is one of the most important skills that a leader can have. When a leader does not fully understand the scope of a project, but tries to direct a team, it becomes difficult and unpredictable to work in that situation due to poor communication. I also feel that using clear and truthful language is also invaluable in avoiding confusion and establishing trust with your audience. “If we consistently use language that serves to distort reality, we can eventually come to believe our own twisted rhetoric (McInerny, 2004, p. 19).” I also agree with the author with his points about narrow-mindedness. Narrow-mindedness blocks people from seeing more than one side or outcome in a situation. Sometimes in an argument, it is good to see where the other person is coming from and put yourself in their shoes. This is difficult for people that are narrow-minded because they can only see situations from their own point of view. Many arguments can be solved with a compromise and it can be difficult