Rational Thoughts on the Powers of Human Understanding (German Logic)

(o)

b 4

...to pave a smooth path for them, upon which they might reach useful knowledge Erkäntnis; in Enlightenment philosophy, the certain grasp of truth through the disciplined use of reason more securely and without stumbling or taking detours. It was with this intention that I made them known, so that others might likewise enjoy the benefit which I myself enjoy in abundance. I am therefore not a little pleased to learn, from the frequent sales original: "häuffigen Abgange"; referring to the book’s commercial success and wide circulation of this little book and from many reports received from all sorts of places, how others perceive the utility of my rules and are beginning to value them as much as I do. However, they will be able to use these rules with as much success as I have, if they have the time and opportunity to practice mathematical demonstrations mathematische Demonstrationen; the application of rigorous, step-by-step logical proofs to ensure a conclusion is undeniable, or, should circumstances not allow for that, if they diligently examine the writings on philosophy Welt-Weisheit; literally "world-wisdom," the standard 18th-century German term for the study of philosophy and the nature of the universe that I have published according to these rules. To make this easier for them to accomplish, I have sought to provide some guidance in this new edition. To this end, the fundamental rules Grund-Regeln; the core principles of logic that form the basis of Wolff's system have been explained with several more examples, so that they may be better understood, and I have also indicated therein,