Roles of Illustrations in Propositional Logic Textbooks
E.L.G. Pacini (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Mrinal Dhume – Mentor (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Martin Skrodzki – Mentor (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Ranga Rao Venkatesha Prasad – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
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Abstract
Illustrations are widely used in propositional logic education, yet little is known about their role in contemporary textbooks. This study investigates the pedagogical and communicative functions of illustrations in three contemporary propositional logic textbooks through qualitative thematic analysis. A hybrid deductive--inductive coding scheme was developed to classify illustration types, instructional contexts, and communicative roles.
Two recurring themes were identified. First, illustrations function as representational translations and definitional tools, re-expressing symbolic expressions through more inspectable visual forms such as truth tables, parse trees, and logic circuits. Second, illustration choices are systematically associated with different forms of logical activity, including computation, structural analysis, and formal proof. The findings suggest that illustrations are integrated components of propositional logic exposition rather than standalone explanatory devices. This study provides an exploratory qualitative analysis of illustration practices in contemporary propositional logic textbooks and highlights the communicative and pedagogical functions of visual representations in logic education.