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;void(0)) In last month's Aton newsletter we discussed the Stoic philosophers and their beliefs and some of their practices. We know that much of their practices had their origins in Oriental thought (some elements of Taoism) and there is even some evidence of some North African influence. The philosophy stressed the importance of suspending or controlling strong emotion and placing great emphasis on the reasoning faculty. Some of the exercises that the followers engaged in daily consisted of practicing exercises in logic, meditation, and a form of what we would consider today as everyday "problem-solving" exercises. Logic involves the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; and to scrutinize concepts critically. The Stoics believed that the practice of logic, and Socratic dialogue were needed to help us achieve the highest level of reasoning. They trained the mental faculties the same way that an athlete uses his or her body. They believed that reason can be applied in every aspect of human affairs. Our American way of life is under attack today from all directions. From our consumer driven life styles to the foundations of our political system, major changes are taking place, the beneficiaries of these changes will be those who seek to take advantage of our inability to distinguish between what is real from what appears to be real. In order for us to be certain that our needs are met in this process it is important that we all take part in the dialogue rather than sit back and watch hand picked "experts" and journalists debate what they choose as the most important issues facing us. If we are to be responsible citizens living in a democracy it is important thAt we think and act reasonably. The study of logic can give a clearer respect for rational thinking. Logic is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning. This should not be taken to mean that only the student of logic can reason well. That's like saying that one can only play basketball well if she or he has studied physics and the physiology involved in describing the process of dribbling and hurling a basketball through a hoop. Michael Jordan himself is probably aware of the fact that some of the best basketball players in the country - like in other sports - have no knowledge or interest in anything beyond winning a pickup game in some remote area. By the same token, the average professor of physiology or physics would be unable to do anything beyond hold a football or baseball in their hands. There are clear and disciplined thinkers that have never opened a book in their lives, however, the study of or brief comprehension of logical principles will help the novice to understand various forms of valid and invalid arguments and lines of reasoning. Logic is also known as the science of reasoning. Reasoning is a special kind of thinking in which inference takes place and conclusions are drawn from premises. In the Ackee Chronicles the main character utilizes this type of logic in solving many of the mysteries. In one story he frustrates his side-kick, Wesley Smith, by seeming to read his mind when he is actually following his friend's line of consciousness, similar to James Joyce's process in the classic novel "Ulysses". We will briefly touch on some details of logic procedures and techniques in the next edition of the Aton Project. Oh yeah, don't forget your autographed copy of “The Ackee Chronicles”. Tony VanSluytman - the Author  Newsletter Directory The Aton Project - Home Page Tony VanSluytman info Tony VanSluytman - the Author | Return Home | The BOOK DOCTOR | The BANYON NETWORK | The Banyon Buzz Newsletters | The Aton Project Newsletters | Contact Us | |
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