New Reader Review

There is a new reader review of Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason. It is of the Kindle edition (which is the same as the bound version word-wise). Like virtually all reader feedback, it is both helpful and gratifying. If you have read the book, and would like to post Amazon or Barnes and Noble reviews, please do not hesitate.

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."

The Declaration of Independence

This evening Dan Van Haften is among a hundred cultural representatives in Grant Park (downtown Chicago) who will read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Dan has a portion of one of the complaints listed in the the Declaration's Construction. What is meant by the Declaration's Construction? Examine one of the several significant discoveries in Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason.

The reading is an annual production of the Remy Bumppo Theatre Company.

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

What is this?

This is a picture of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad shaking hands with David Hirsch. All that appears of David is his hand, wrist, and a few inches of his arm. But the photographer did not miss the handshake. Rabbi Yossie Jacobson is in the background. It was at this meeting that the Governor was presented with a copy of Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason. See May 17, 2011, posting below.

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.