Contrary to conventional wisdom, logic is not the opposite of emotion. When people claim that it is, I think what they really mean is that practicality is the opposite of emotion. We use the same patterns of reasoning when we follow our hearts as when we follow our heads. If our starting points for reasoning are cold and mechanical, logic allows us to form conclusions that are cold and mechanical. When our starting points are warm and compassionate, logic allows us to draw warm and compassionate conclusions. Logic relates to every human motivation, from savage instinct to artistic genius.
Logic cannot tell us if our starting points are correct or good – only what must be true IF our starting points are true. Our starting points determine the whole range of conclusions available to us. Starting points can be anything that informs our thoughts and actions, such as assumptions, measurements, religious doctrines, moral principles, laws, scientific results, political opinions, facts, or mistaken facts. Anything we choose to accept or assert. Most starting points can be traced back to more fundamental starting points. When it is impossible to trace back any further, that is a first principle. Most first principles cannot be proven, rather they are chosen or accepted. First principles represent our most basic beliefs and assumptions.
Learning logic helps people make better decisions and avoid deception whatever their motivations and priorities.
Logic is a tool, just as leverage and aerodynamic lift are tools. Leverage and gravity made early mechanical clocks possible. Logic makes precise reasoning and computers possible.