Logical: Derived from the Greek word "logos," meaning "word," "reason," or "thought."
Meaning
Logical: Pertaining to or based on reason and logic; conforming to the principles of logic; rational.
Origin
The term "logical" has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the work of Aristotle (384-322 BC), who developed formal logic as a system for reasoning and inference.
Historical Development
Classical Period: In ancient Greece, "logical" reasoning was highly valued in philosophy and rhetoric. Aristotle's syllogistic logic provided a foundation for logical arguments and deductions.
Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, Christian scholars adopted and expanded upon Aristotle's logic, using it in theological and philosophical inquiries.
Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods witnessed a renewed interest in logic and its application in various fields, including science, law, and mathematics.
Modern Logic: In the 19th century, new developments in logic emerged, including symbolic logic and predicate calculus, further expanding the scope and application of logical reasoning.
Usage
"Logical" is commonly used to describe arguments, statements, or actions that are based on reason and evidence.
It can also be used to refer to a person's ability to reason logically or to a system that follows logical principles.
In scientific research, "logical" reasoning is essential for drawing valid conclusions and testing hypotheses.
In computing, "logical" operators are used to perform operations based on logical principles, such as AND, OR, and NOT.