The Art of Logic in an Illogical World - Paperback

by Eugenia Cheng (Author)

How both logical and emotional reasoning can help us live better in our post-truth world

"Advanced mathematics could make a meaningful contribution to creating a better society. . . this book is proof it can." --Guardian

In a world where fake news stories change election outcomes, has rationality become futile? In The Art of Logic in an Illogical World, Eugenia Cheng throws a lifeline to readers drowning in the illogic of contemporary life. Cheng is a mathematician, so she knows how to make an airtight argument. But even for her, logic sometimes falls prey to emotion, which is why she still fears flying and eats more cookies than she should. If a mathematician can't be logical, what are we to do?

In this insightful, useful, and funny book, Cheng reveals the inner workings and limitations of logic, and explains why alogic--for example, emotion--is vital to how we think and communicate. Cheng shows us how to use logic and alogic together to navigate a world awash in bigotry, mansplaining, and manipulative memes. Settling the timeless battle of head vs. heart, this essential book is for anyone who wants to think more clearly.

Author Biography

Eugenia Cheng is scientist in residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has authored numerous books, including the LA Times Book Prize winner Is Math Real?, Unequal, How to Bake Pi, Beyond Infinity, and x + y. Cheng lives in Chicago, Illinois.