- "Logic is the cement of our civilization with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide." - T'Plana-Hath, Matron of Vulcan Philosophy
Logic is the study of the principles of reasoning. As a form of science, logic is used to solve various problems through the application of deductive reasoning.
Vulcans have adopted logic as their way of life. Surak introduced a strict logic regime to his people in the hope of stopping the destructive wars which plagued Vulcan. His hope was that with the help of logic the Vulcans could control their violent emotions and in doing so might lead a life of order and control.
Although the Vulcan majority lives by logic, there are some who try to balance their emotions and logic; they are better known as V'tosh ka'tur, Vulcans without logic. (TOS: "The Savage Curtain"; TNG: "Gambit, Part II"; ENT: "Fusion")
Several machine-based lifeforms strictly followed logic as well:
- One notable individual, Data, was an android and as such was governed by the rules of logic. Later in life, Data gained the ability to experience emotions. (TNG: "Inheritance")
- The huge living machine V'Ger exhibited thought patterns of pure logic, as Spock observed. That may have changed, however, when V'Ger united with Captain Willard Decker. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)
- The behavior of the Andromedan androids on planet Mudd was guided by logic. The android Norman was even damaged when confronted with the Liar Paradox. (TOS: "I, Mudd").
References to Logic
- TOS
- The Doomsday Machine
- "You cannot succeed, Commodore. Your only logical alternative is to return to the ship." - Spock to Commodore Matthew Decker
- The Doomsday Machine
- Motion Pictures
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- "Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" - Spock
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
- "Logic is the beginning of all wisdom, not the end." - Spock
- "Even logic must give way to physics." - Spock to Valeris
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- DS9:
- "Through the Looking Glass"
- "We have all suffered losses at the hands of the Alliance. Nonetheless, logic dictates caution in the face of a superior enemy". - Tuvok (mirror)
- "Rules of Engagement"
- "Through the Looking Glass"
Background
It is debatable whether Vulcan usage of the word "logic" is consistent with the real-world concept of logic. This question has never been discussed on-screen or in canon sources.