The Six Elements of a Proposition

The Structure of Reason has a new section on its website. It defines the six elements of a proposition.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The online bookstore for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Illinois, describes the book: "David Hirsch and Dan Van Haften delve into the logic, reason, and cognitive tools that fueled Lincoln's political and intellectual genius."

Oral Argument

I argued an appeal in the Iowa Supreme Court this morning. Immediately got peppered with questions. No time to develop the six elements. But my brief was structured by Lincoln's/Euclid's six elements of a proposition. Not only did the six elements make for a better brief, it was easier (and quicker) to draft -- David Hirsch

Conscious or Unconscious?

A reader, who is an attorney, emails: "At this point in time I have read the preface, foreword and introduction to your book. I have one question. Perhaps it is answered in the book, if it is, just tell me, it’s answered in the book. Did Abraham Lincoln consciously apply the elements of a geometric proposition to his writings and speeches or did it just happen subconsciously because of his study of Euclid? It is interesting to me that I never did truly grasp algebra, but I did grasp geometry."

Response: There is a big difference between geometry (not including analytical geometry) and algebra. Euclidean geometry is based on language. Algebra is based on equations. In Euclidean geometry you see the big picture. In algebra you see tiny steps. Your question (about whether Lincoln consciously used the elements of a proposition -- or whether it was subconscious) is pretty much answered in the book. If, after reading the book, you don't think so, ask again.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad Presented with Book

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad

Last month David Hirsch was privileged to present Iowa Governor Terry Branstad with a copy of Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason. The book was inscribed, "To Governor Branstad, Thank you for returning to public service. May you govern like Lincoln, bringing people together." It was signed by both authors.

The Governor, who did not know he was going to receive the book, proceeded to give an impressive discourse on how Lincoln brought the country together not only North and South, but east and west (as a result of his push for rail). The Governor then brought up several of Lincoln's Iowa connections.

Virtual Book Signing at Abraham Lincoln Book Shop

Over the weekend both Dan Van Haften and I appeared for a virtual book signing at the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop in downtown Chicago. What a magnificent place that book shop is. Dan Weinberg did a great job interviewing. He surprised us with an original Lincoln letter, and asked us demarcate it into the six elements of a proposition. It was fun, despite being allotted just five minutes for the task. Will add a link to the video as soon as it is up on the net.

 -David