Petrović defines logic not merely as a formal science, but as the study of the forms of valid thought. He distinguishes between the psychological process of thinking and the objective, logical validity of thought itself. 2. The Theory of Concepts (Pojam)
Gajo Petrović’s "Logika" serves as a foundational text in Balkan philosophy, offering a rigorous yet accessible introduction to formal reasoning, concepts, judgments, and inference. Its enduring relevance lies in teaching foundational logical structures and critical skills for identifying fallacies in contemporary discourse.
So keep searching. The "Logika" is out there, waiting to be read.
Yet, that effort is worth it. Inside those pages is not just a primer on logic, but a radical argument that logic without freedom is not logic at all—it is mere computation. Gajo Petrovic Logika.pdf
Gajo Petrović, one of the most prominent Croatian philosophers of the 20th century and a leading figure of the Praxis school, approached the discipline of logic not as a static collection of rules, but as a dynamic tool for understanding reality. His work, simply titled Logika , stands as a significant effort to bridge the gap between traditional formal logic and the dialectical logic of Marxist theory.
To understand the impact of Logika , one must understand its author. Gajo Petrović (1927–1993) was a prominent Croatian and Yugoslav philosopher, professor at the University of Zagreb, and one of the leading figures of the .
Occasionally, professors from the Balkans will upload specific chapters of Logika as PDFs to supplement their courses. Search for "Petrović - Poglavlje III: Dijalektička logika" (Chapter 3: Dialectical Logic). You may not get the whole book, but you will get the core argument. Petrović defines logic not merely as a formal
While Petrović is widely celebrated for his contributions to Marxist humanism, existentialism, and ontology, his work in logic was foundational. He believed that clear, rigorous thinking was the ultimate prerequisite for social critique and philosophical liberation. Logika was his vehicle for introducing this rigor to young minds. Core Structure and Contents of Logika
Splitting propositions into Subject (S), Predicate (P), and Copula ("is" or "is not"). 3. Inference (Zaključak)
Explores the scientific method and how these tools build structured knowledge. Logical Principles (Logički Principi): The Theory of Concepts (Pojam) Gajo Petrović’s "Logika"
Once concepts are understood, Petrović explores how we combine them to make assertions about reality. A judgment is an expression that can be either true or false. Here, the book covers:
Gajo Petrović’s Logika is more than just an academic textbook; it is an intellectual anchor. It teaches us that logic is not a cold, disconnected science, but the very framework that makes meaningful human communication and progress possible. Whether read in a fading paperback or on a modern tablet screen, Petrović’s words continue to fulfill their original purpose: training minds to think critically, reason fairly, and pursue truth relentlessly.