Logic and Reasoning in Writing, Narration, Notes

LOGIC AND REASONING
Logical reasoning is also basic to good writing. No matter what you write or who you write for, you have to state your case sensibly and in an orderly fashion. You have to select which approach you will take when it comes to logic also.

"Logic is the structure of an argument, just as grammar is the structure of language," according to Gefvert (THE CONFIDENT WRITER: A NORTON HANDBOOK. New York: W.W. Norton, 1988).

And Flachmann and Flachmann have stated: "To construct a logical argument, you have two principle patterns available to you: inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning. The first encourages an audience to make what is called an 'inductive leap' from several particular examples to a single, useful generalization.... Used most often by detectives, scientists, and lawyers, the process of inductive reasoning addresses an audience's ability to think logically by moving them systematically from an assortment of selected evidence to a rational and ordered conclusion" (THE PROSE READER: ESSAYS FOR THINKING, READING, AND WRITING.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1990).

They continue: "In contrast, deductive reasoning moves its audience from a broad, general statement to particular examples supporting that statement.... Although the actual mental process we go through in creating a deductive argument is quite sophisticated, it is based upon a three-step form of reasoning known as the 'syllogism,' which most logicians believe is the foundation of logical thinking" (THE PROSE READER: ESSAYS FOR THINKING, READING, AND WRITING. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1990).

Cooley adds to their statements with his: "Whenever you write an argument, you should ask two distinct questions: Are the premises of my argument true? Does my conclusion follow from the premises? The second of these--do the premises support the conclusion--is a question of strength. In the case of deductive reasoning, they do or they don't: a deductive argument is either valid or invalid. There is no in between. Some inductive arguments, however, are stronger than others.... Induction, therefore, deals only with probability, whereas deductive deals with certainty: granted the premises, the conclusion of a well-constructed deductive argument must follow" (THE NORTON GUIDE TO WRITING. NY: W.W. NORTON & CO., 1992).

Robert Perrin introduced me to a third form of logical reasoning: "Warrant-based reasoning is a process somewhat like the writing process. Beginning with an idea expressed as a thesis or an assertion, the writer accumulates necessary supporting evidence through research or other forms of planning. The writer;s values and perspective emerge most clearly in the underlying warrant, the sometimes unstated or implicit connection that the writer makes between the assertion and the evidence. Although the writer's reasoning must be sound, it will not have the inevitability of deductive or inductive reasoning. Thus, in order for the writer to convince readers of the validity of the assertion, the evidence offered must be convincing and complete" (THE BEACON HANDBOOK. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1987).

Other books also refer to this kind of reasoning and credit Stephen Toulmin--referred to in one source as "British logician" and in another as "philosopher" with developing the model for this.

"The Toulmin model of argument
Toulmin's term: claim
More familiar terms: the main point or central meaning, usually expressed in the thesis statement
Toulmin's term: support
More familiar terms: data or other evidence, from broad reasons to specific details
Toulmin's term: warrants
More familiar terms: underlying assumptions, usually not stated but clearly implied; readers infer assumptions
"Warrants fall into three categories: (1) Warrants based on authority rest on respect for the credibility and trustworthiness of the person. (2) Warrants based on substance rest on the reliability of factual evidence. (3) Warrants based on motivation rest on the values and beliefs of the writer and audience.
"The concepts of the Toulmin model can help you not only write but also read arguments with a critical eye" (Troyka, Lynn Quitman. THE SIMON AND SCHUSTER HANDBOOK FOR WRITERS. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1993).

NARRATION
Narrative writing emphasizes action and a series of events--if only in the mind of the narrator.
Sometimes it forms part of a larger non-fiction piece. Often it is used in a short form to introduce or to make a point more clear (illustration). Vivid and real details help make narrative writing work and engage the reader.
Narratives are usually organized by time, whereas descriptive writing is generally organized by space. While narration emphasizes action and events, description highlights sensory details. They commonly appear together, however, as a narrative without details is flat and uninteresting and details without a context are no more exciting than a grocery list.
The two overall uses of narrative writing are to entertain and to make a point. In either instance--whether your intention is to entertain or to make a point--spend as much time possible on prewriting, organizing, drafting, and editing.

NOTES
Writing is not a linear process of preparing, writing, and revising. All three take place simultaneously.
Use your journal to jot down ideas and quotes as a way to always be ready and to always be preparing to do a work of writing.
Good note taking can make good academic writing easier because you aren't always starting with a blank sheet of paper or staring at a blank screen when an assignment is due.