Writer Lewis Carroll (real name C.L. Dodgson) felt that everyone should learn to think logically, to help them deal with the bad arguments that were put to them by politicians and advertisers.
Emotions Get in the Way
Lewis Carroll said that when trying to think something through, it's too easy to get bogged down by the details of what the problem personally means to the player. It is easier to understand ideas if emotional connections are removed.
He particularly wanted to help teenagers and young people to think logically and in the end he devised a way of doing this in a way that made it seem more like a game.
The Game of Logic, 1887
The result was his “Game of Logic”, and it first appeared in the book shops in 1887. It will be of interest to an intelligent and intellectually curious older child or teenager who has an interest in mathematics, logic and puzzles.
Symbolic Logic
It is also of interest to adults, since Carroll was particularly interested in symbolic logic, which uses symbols to represent the basic ideas (or premises). This type of logic used is not much taught these days, but it offers a novel approach to problem solving.
Although it is called a “game” it is not competitive. Carroll intended it as a fun way of getting the basic logical ideas. He knew that it would be more fun to have a couple of people playing because then they could compete with each other to see who could solve the puzzles the quickest.
In typically humorous style, Carroll explained that, besides nine counters, his game “...requires one Player, at least. I am not aware of any Game that can be played with less than this number: while there are several that require more.”
How to Play the Game of Logic
Begin the Game by using two premises, or ideas. As players get better at managing these, the number of premises can be increased, till players can untangle even very complicated ideas.
The Carroll Diagram
Carroll devised a diagram, called a Carroll Diagram, which was similar to a Venn Diagram, to help his readers organize their thoughts. The Carroll Diagram is in fact better than a Venn Diagram and is now used in British elementary schools for early maths teaching.
Here’s a link to a very simple Carroll diagram. Readers have to put the shapes into the right “boxes.” Once they can do that successfully, they can go on to the Game of Logic, when those shapes are replaced by written premises.
Once readers are used to dealing with the written premises, they can replace them with symbols, and can then tackle the problems mathematically.
Using Humour to Learn
Carroll’s written premises were often humorous, so his readers could combine amusing ideas together as they did the problems. They might have to decide whether crocodiles needed hairbrushes, or whether all freshly baked cakes were really nice to eat.
The Game of Logic is still available to day, in reprinted versions. The original version is also available but this is very expensive, and more for collectors than teenagers. Carroll took pains to make it an attractive book with a bright red cover and swirly golden lettering. Inside, it has a cardboard board and a set of cardboard counters printed in grey and dusky pink.
First Edition Suppressed
Carroll in fact suppressed the first edition of the book, which originally appeared in 1886. This was because he did not think the printing was up to scratch. He was a perfectionist, and even though he paid for the production and printing of all his books himself, he would rather lose the money than have something go out if he was not satisfied with it.
Children Equals Teenagers
And remember that although Carroll said the book was for “children” he really meant “teenagers.” In Victorian days the term “teenager” had not been invented. Someone was considered to be a “child” right to the day when they put on adult clothes and joined adult society. So the Game of Logic is not suitable for small children, unless they are mathematically gifted.
If a parent or gifted child has not done algebra or any form of mathematics that uses symbols, then it is helpful to start doing the Game of Logic with someone who has done a little math. The instructions need to be followed exactly!
For more information about Lewis Carroll and learning, check out this information about his schooldays.
Jennifer Woolf - Jennifer Woolf
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