Journal #15: Logic and Reason

When do I use logic and reason? I use logic and reason in my math class and science classes. Obviously, one needs to use logic and reason in a math course, because that is what math is. It is not a theoretical class of what if's; it is a class of fact, of one right answer, of a certain way to do a problem to get that one right answer. This is why I like my math class. It deals with problem solving to get the right answer, no if's or but's about it. For example, I am in Pre-Calculus. If a problem dealt with the unit circle and asked for the point on the unit circle where sin= radical 2/2 and cos= radical 2/2, then the answer is pi/4. pi/3 would not be the right answer. Why? Through logic and reason of course! The coordinate on the unit circle for pi/4 is (radical 2/2, radical 2/2). Plus both are positive, which means they are in quadrant one, (the happy place, where everything is positive.) It is not pi/3 because the coordinate for pi/3 is (1/2, radical 3/2), so it obviously cannot be pi/3. Therefore, it is pi/4. This is figured out through logic. Just like when a second grader checks his or her homework of 15+3=? They added it up and got the answer of 17. (Silly second grader!) The correct answer is 18. We got this through logic and reason. 15 plus 3 is 18 because one can count it out, adding three more items to something does not get one two more items. That brings in chemistry with the Law of Conservation of Mass, but that is another subject for another time. Anyway, logic and reason points to the answer of 18.

One can also use reason and logic when in a predicament. There is this thing called common sense. Many people do not use it, something that drives me crazy. (However, sometimes I don't use common sense, and I end up looking like a fool, and thinking, "Now why in the world did I do that?") Even though, many people don't use it, it still exists and should be used. For example, if one is contemplating whether to stick one's hand in an aquarium full of hungry Piranhas, one should use common sense. That means they should decide not to stick their hand in the tank, because it will no longer exist in approximately five seconds, something that would be very painful. Common sense, if one used it, can save one from a very dumb or dangerous situation.