What is it?

Logic, traditionally understood, is centered around the analysis and study of argument forms and patterns. In other words, logic is the study of proper rules of reasoning and their application to arguments. 

Arguments come in many forms but, as we shall see, we will find it helpful to develop and refine a system of rules and methods that help us deal with language and arguments. 

More specifically, we want to be able to identify good patterns of reasoning, and crucially, be able to separate them from bad forms of reasoning. This is one of the many ways logic can help. 

Logic can give us, in varying degrees of success, methods for improving and evaluating not only our own reasoning, but that of others as well. Given that we are constantly faced and confronted with claims, arguments, and pieces of reasoning, the usefulness of logic can seem all the more appealing.