論理

• Reading: ろんり
• Romaji: ronri
• Kanji breakdown: 論 (ron) — argument, discussion; 理 (ri) — principle, reason
• Pronunciation: /ɾoɴɾi/

Meaning

Logic; reasoning; theory. The systematic framework of valid inference used to evaluate arguments.

A noun referring both to formal logic as a discipline and to the coherence of an individual's reasoning. 論理的 (logical, reasoned) is a ubiquitous adjective in academic and business speech. 論理の飛躍 (logical leap) and 論理が通らない (the logic doesn't hold) are common expressions.

Examples

1. 彼の主張には論理の飛躍があり、結論を受け入れがたかった。 There was a leap in his logic, making the conclusion hard to accept.
2. 論理的に考えれば、この選択肢以外に合理的な答えはない。 If you think logically, there is no reasonable answer other than this option.
3. 数学は純粋な論理の言語であると言われる。 Mathematics is said to be the language of pure logic.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, mathematics, debate, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Meiji-era translation of the Western concept of 'logic,' rendered via the Chinese calque 論理. From 論 (argument, discussion) and 理 (principle, reason, logic).

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal