ABSTRACT
Whately's Elements of Logic emerged as one of the most important texts on logical reasoning in the early part of the nineteenth century. In essence, the study of logic had become moribund and was a target of criticism from students and academics alike. The text, from its fIrst edition in 1826 through its many editions in England and America (it was in its ninth English edition by 1848), became the source of introductory information on the art and science oflogical reasoning. As part of his discussion, Whately included a section on fallacious reasoning. In focusing on that portion of the text, this chapter will examine his orientation toward the study of what has since become known as informal logic, discuss his classifIcation and treatment of various forms of fallacious reasoning, and consider the merits of his contribution to the study of fallacies. Before embarking on these themes, an understanding of who Whately was and his approach toward teaching and writing on rhetoric and logic needs to be briefly discussed.
