Canon Press Logic (Nance)
by Canon Press (website )
Master formal and symbolic logic through clear video instruction and structured workbooks designed for classical middle and high school students.
Best Fit For
Classical homeschoolers, students seeking high academic rigor, and families who prefer video-led instruction for specialized subjects.
Not Recommended For
Students who prefer a secular curriculum or those who struggle with highly abstract, math-like symbolic reasoning.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently praise James Nance’s Logic series for its clarity and structured approach to a difficult subject. Most families find the video lessons (featuring Nance) to be an essential component, as they allow students to work through the material semi-independently and provide clear explanations of complex concepts like syllogisms and truth tables. While the academic rigor is high—bordering on college-level symbolic logic in the 'Intermediate' book—the layout is praised for being user-friendly. Some reviewers (notably Cathy Duffy) point out that while the curriculum is deeply rooted in a Christian worldview, the technical logic skills taught are universal. A common concern is that the material moves quickly into symbolic logic, which may be intimidating for students without a strong interest in math or formal reasoning.
How It Works
A typical week involves the student watching one short video lesson (15–20 minutes) and then reading the corresponding chapter in the student text. The student completes a set of exercises in the workbook to practice the concepts. Parents use the Teacher’s Edition to check daily work, and at the end of each unit, the student takes a quiz or test from the provided packet. Each lesson takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Switching to This?
Families should always start with 'Introductory Logic' regardless of the student's age (grades 8–12), as 'Intermediate Logic' builds directly on the terminology and symbols established in the first book. No formal placement test is available because the sequence is strictly linear. Families can easily start mid-year as the curriculum is broken into small, self-contained lessons.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $32 - $165
- Grades
- 7 - 12
- Available As
- Print Video Digital
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Subjects
- Logic & Critical Thinking
- Pacing
- Flexible
- Parent Time
- 10-30 min/day
- Parent Involvement
- Minimal
- Student Independence
- Semi-independent
- Academic Level
- Above grade level
- Worldview
- Christian
Individual student texts start around $22; full bundles including teacher's guides, test packets, and video lessons (DVD or streaming) range from $110 to $165 per level.
Videos
Reviews We Consulted
Highlights the effectiveness of the video curriculum for logic-loving students but suggests the abstract reasoning may be less engaging for some learners.
"Intermediate Logic by Jim Nance, published by Canon Press. We used the full video curriculum for this one and my oldest thoroughly enjoyed it. He did Introductory Logic in the same series in eighth grade, and ate up this program in ninth."
Enthusiastically recommends the program for logic novices, highlighting the 2019 DVD updates as a key factor in making the material clear and engaging.
"The Introductory Logic program is designed for students and parents who have never tackled traditional logic... The newly updated DVD course (released in 2019) provides a more engaging video format with presentations by Brian Kohl."
Praises the rigorous yet accessible Christian-based curriculum, noting that recent updates significantly simplify both independent study and classroom instruction.
"The latest editions of both courses have been significantly improved over earlier editions. Both courses are now easier for a teacher to present to a class group, and they are also easier for students to use working independently."
Updated: April 2026
How This Compares
Commonly compared to Memoria Press Traditional Logic, which focuses more on Aristotelian verbal logic, while Nance moves faster into symbolic logic. Also compared to Classical Academic Press's 'Art of Argument,' which focuses on informal fallacies rather than the formal/symbolic structure found here.
Getting Started
See What It Looks Like
A digital preview of the actual textbook content, offering a look at the layout, exercises, and teacher notes.
Purchase
The primary publisher page for purchasing the student text, teacher edition, and video instruction bundles.
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