The logic of picking nits

Author: Li Yanhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Fundamental disciplines include mathematics, logic, astronomy and astrophysics, geographical sciences and space sciences, physics, chemistry, and life sciences. – UNESCO
Logic is an independent field of study, and everyone should learn a bit about it. – Politician Mao Zedong
Logic is essential for life, cognition, and philosophy. – Logician Jin Yuelin
To express our thoughts correctly, it is necessary to follow logic. – Linguist Lü Shuxiang and Zhu Dexi
If a person's thinking lacks logic, it can easily lead to confusion. Without the completeness and coherence of logical development, a system cannot be formed. Even if a system exists, it is a bad one. – Cultural scholar Wang Yuanhua
Logical thinking accompanies humanity, permeating all aspects of social life, everywhere and at all times. – Chief Editor of "Logic and Time-Space Series" Liu Peiyu
Peking University Press has recently launched the "Logic and Time-Space Series." The series is curated with the of "advocating rationality, adhering to logic, and promoting correct thinking," focusing on the popularization and application of logical knowledge. Its target readers include the general public (mass reading) and college students (teaching reference books). The series plans to release 14 titles, with 7 already published: "Fun with Logic," "Logic and Wisdom (New Edition)," "Logic in Ancient Poems," "Jokes, Humor, and Logic," "The Logic of Precise Language," "Click Thinking," and "Game Thinking—Logic for Winning Decisions."
The authors of this series are influential scholars in the field of logic, who have long been dedicated to its popularization. The content of the books selects examples from daily life, newspapers, magazines, ancient poetry, social life, jokes, and other sources to illustrate logical knowledge or logical errors, combining knowledge with fun, allowing readers to grasp logical concepts through enjoyable reading.
"The Logic of Precise Language" is a predecessor to the book I edited, "Analysis of Logical Cases." As a teaching textbook for the China Institute of Logic and Language Correspondence University, it was first published by Nankai University Press in 1984 and revised in 1986. At that time, the contributors included Wang Fang, Tian Hongdi, Le Yoeiou, Sun Yu, Zhang Zegao, Wang Fuyu, Jin Tong, Zheng Gonglun, and Ouyang Zhongshi, among others. Sun Yu and Jin Tong have since passed away. Since its publication, the book has not only become an important reference for correspondence students to improve their logical analysis skills but has also been widely cited in other logic textbooks, exerting a certain influence in popularizing logic.
Today, Peking University Press has planned the "Logic and Time-Space Series," and Chief Editor Liu Peiyu believes that "Analysis of Logical Cases" still holds positive significance in popularizing logic today, as such books are rare. He intended to include it in the series and hoped I would make some revisions based on the original work. The book primarily covers common types of logical errors in language expression, with most examples drawn from newspapers, books, or daily communication. For this release, the text has been thoroughly reviewed and revised, and the examples have been significantly adjusted and expanded. The book is now renamed "The Logic of Precise Language," aiming to better highlight its unique features.