I just posted a new version of forall x, my introductory logic text. I have been using it as the text in my 130 member intro logic class this term, and I have been fairly satisfied. The process has allowed me to catch a bevy of typos and little slips. The new version corrects those, has added practice exercises, and has a new appendix discussing alternate symbol systems.

Commercial logic textbooks are, to be blunt, a scam. Every publisher has got one. I know, because they have sent me unsolicited desk copies. They know that I teach logic regularly and that I could turn my courses into a captive market for them. Textbook authors profit by complicity in this, but the lion's share goes to companies that are really not adding any value to the educational system. It is that state of affairs that led me to write forall x. The text is available under the Creative Commons license, which means that it is free for noncommercial use. I had it printed as a course reader for my students, and any other instructor is free to do the same.

The downside of not having a publisher is that no one is out there marketing forall x, sending desk copies to every professor anywhere who has taught logic. One kind Canadian has shown interest in using it in an abstract mathematics course. I am not sure how else to proceed by way of promoting it.

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You could try relying on the professional philosophy region of the blogosphere. Some emails to widely read bloggers like Leiter's, Weatherson's, and Chalmers' might garner some support, especially if done around the time that people are choosing textbooks for the next quarter/semester.

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Your online book is so helpful - the writing and formatting offers greater clarity for those of us who are "mathematically challenged." I no longer quake in fear of a nemesis-Beast named "The Logic Requirement." Thank you for making this available.
Best of luck to you!

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It looks excellent, PD. I am perusing the bits on model theory because I've forgotten most of what we did in Gila's class.

Also, good to see you blogging...Though not quite shrill and angry enough for my tastes. Needs more cussin' and feudin'.

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Hi PD -

I've been looking over your text and it looks great! I'm trying to decide if I should use it for Phil 120 in the Spring here at your alma mater. Seeing as how you taught the course yourself, would you say that your book covers all the material for 120? Or do you think I'd need supplementary material?

B/t/w, I think it's really great the way you're experimenting with an open source text like this!

Thanks! - Aaron

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I think it's really great the way you're experimenting with an open source text like this

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