The Sunday Stoic: Are you asking the right question using the right logic?

Logic is the process of thinking and reasoning in a way that makes sense and follows some structure. For instance, for most of our decisions, we like choosing between "yes" or "no". But in real life, things are more complicated, especially when it comes to complex topics like understanding someone else's intentions and seeking collaboration. Asking, "Is this person helpful" or "Did this team work well together?" isn't just about saying "yes" or "no." It's about factoring in many other factors, each with their own shades of grey. So, to start, instead of just two options, there's another way to think—with four possibilities (yes/no/both/don't know). This might help us ask better questions and find fair solutions.

Binary logic is like a light switch—it's either on or off. When we ask, "Is the project finished?" the answer is a simple yes or no, indicating task completion or ongoing work. This works well for straightforward situations. However, for more complex questions like, "Was the project effective and give us a return-on-investment?", these questions need us to consider data from different angles and weigh various factors - binary logic isn't enough for such questions.

Enter the four-valued logic system, which goes beyond the simplicity of binary by adding two more options: unknown and both true and false. Picture asking a group. "Do you think that the last project was worth the effort?" Different folks have different takes. Some might celebrate the achievements, while others grumble about wasted efforts. And guess what? Sometimes, for a few, it's both a yes and a no simultaneously! Then there are those who simply shrug and admit, "I don't know." Whether it is relationships, productivity, or politics- one cannot answer every question in a binary because the response could be yes, no, both, or unknown- depending on who you ask. Luckily, four-valued logic covers all these possibilities.

The four-level logic is first mentioned in Jain writings from around 400 BC, in the writings of Bhadrabahu (433–357 BCE). "Syad" means "maybe" or "it's possible that," and "vada" means "saying." So, together, they're about saying that things could be possible in four different ways.

1. Syad-asti: "Maybe it is." This suggests that something could be true. For example, "Today is 3 March 2024" is a true statement.
2. Syad-nasti: "Maybe it's not." This suggests that something may not be true. For example, "Today is Saturday" is not a true statement.
3. Syad-asti-nasti: "Perhaps it is and it's not at the same time." This means that something might be true in some ways but not in others simultaneously. For example, "It is morning now", maybe a true statement depending on whether you are reading this essay in the Western Hemisphere (where the day is starting now) or the Eastern Hemisphere (where the day is ending).
4. Syad-asti-avaktavya: "Perhaps it is, but it's hard to explain." Some truths are too complex to express simply. For example, "Productivity depends on engagement" is a true statement but forecasting it objectively is very difficult.

I hope you can now see that using these four categories, we can see that information can be yes, no, both, or uncertain. Later expanded to seven categories, Syadvad helps us view situations from different angles.

The Stoics, known for their wisdom, probably used binary logic for quick decisions and turned to the four-logic system for trickier situations. Initially, they'd use binary logic to determine they want to be a part of something or not. However, as they move forward, they'd label each assumption as right, wrong, both, or neither—echoing Marcus Aurelius' (121-180 AD) insight, "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact." So, following the path of the Stoics and Jain thinkers, we shouldn't limit ourselves to seeking a yes or no answer; we should remain open to thinking beyond the ordinary and the binary.

In closing, the logic we choose for our questions, answers, and decision-making vary depending on the situation. We can use binary logic (yes/no) for quick decisions and must rely on a four-level logic (yes/no/both/don't know) for a getting to a broader perspective. Perhaps, by combining both logic-levels, we make better choices in our lives - both personal and professional. Let's embrace these two-level and four-level logic systems as we approach the upcoming week, better prepared to ask the right questions and get to the right answers.

The views expressed in this essay are my own. They do not represent the views of any individuals, employers, or organizations I may be affiliated with. While I am not an expert in Stoicism, in my personal time, I find value in reading and writing about it for personal growth and self-reflection. If you have any thoughts on combining Stoicism and leadership, I welcome your input via LinkedIn messaging. And if you found this essay helpful, please share it on your LinkedIn profile to raise awareness about Stoicism. Thank you for supporting this essay series.