Abstract

This chapter offers a short logic lesson as an introduction to what philosophers and other critical thinkers do when they offer and criticize arguments. Logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning associated with the formation and analysis of arguments. The creators of South Park, for the most part, know these logical principles. They purposely violate them, though, to show the absurdities contained in certain beliefs, opinions, ideas, and arguments. In fact, much of South Park's humor concerns logical violations and the absurdities, contradictions, and problems that result. The authors consider some basics of logic using examples from South Park episodes, and show some differences between correct and incorrect reasoning. There are two main kinds of arguments, deductive arguments and inductive arguments. The authors insist on the need to form good arguments, and the need to evaluate the arguments of others.