Introduction · 1 of 8

Logic

al-manṭiq

المَنْطِق

Manṭiq () is a rule-governed instrument whose observance protects the mind from error in thinking.

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Explanation

The classical calls an instrument (āla): it is not studied for its own sake but as a tool for the other sciences. For that reason it belongs to the instrumental sciences (ʿulūm al-āla), together with Arabic grammar, morphology and .

deals with known and judgements and with how to move from them to something not yet known: through , to an unknown concept, and through , to an unknown judgement.

In the madrasa curriculum the study of traditionally begins with the of Athīr al-Dīn al-Abharī (d. 663/1265), read with a , before longer works such as al-Shamsiyya.

Also written as: mantiq, mantik, Islamic logic, ʿilm al-manṭiq.

In the text

أَمَّا بَعْدُ؛ فَهَذِهِ رِسَالَةٌ فِي الْمَنْطِقِ، أَوْرَدْنَا فِيهَا مَا يَجِبُ اسْتِحْضَارُهُ لِمَنْ يَبْتَدِئُ فِي شَيْءٍ مِنَ الْعُلُومِ، مُسْتَعِينًا بِاللهِ تَعَالَى، إِنَّهُ مُفِيضُ الْخَيْرِ وَالْجُودِ.To proceed: this is a treatise on logic. In it we have set out what anyone beginning any of the sciences needs to have at hand, seeking the help of God, exalted is He; He is the one who pours out goodness and generosity.

Related terms

Test yourself

3 questions. With 6 out of 10 or more (two stars) the next term opens.

Question 1
How does the classical definition describe logic (manṭiq)?
المَنْطِق
Question 2
Logic leads from what is known to what is not yet known. Through what does it lead to an unknown judgement?
Question 3
Logic belongs to the instrumental sciences (ʿulūm al-āla). Which of these belongs to the same group?
عُلُومُ الآلَة

Next: Knowledge العِلْم

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