How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line
Quote #4
LOGICIAN: The cat has four paws. Isidore and Fricot both have four paws. Therefore Isidore and Fricot are cats.
OLD GENTLEMAN: My dog has got four paws.
LOGICAN: Then it’s a cat.
Yes, this is that definition of syllogism we were waiting for. The Logician follows all the logical rules of constructing a syllogism: A is true, and B is true, so A is B. His conclusion could be called flawed at the very least. This is a great example of how knowledge can, at times, get you absolutely nothing, and stand at direct odds with common sense. Or maybe the Logician is merely demonstrating that the idea of “cats” and “dogs” is completely arbitrary, and therefore neither has any real meaning. And if cats are in fact dogs, can we really know if anything is what we think and say it is? That, friends, is traveling down the philosophical rabbit hole.
Quote #5
OLD GENTLEMAN: Logic is a beautiful thing.
LOGICIAN: As long as it is not abused. (1.1.542-544)
LOGICIAN: There is a very strong possibility that the Logician is the biggest culprit of logic abuse in this play. Just keep that in mind when you’re reading him discuss his theories.
Quote #6
LOGICIAN: Come on, exercise your mind. Concentrate! (1.1.621)
Just as Jean believes one’s will power can be kicked into gear by yelling, so believes the Logician about the mind. Sure, we all need to work our brains out, but this guy treats others like they’re on some horrible treadmill of mental torture when they can’t figure something out immediately.