Full Idea
In order to construct precise and valid patterns of arguments one has to determine their 'building blocks'. One has to identify the basic terms, their kinds and means of combination.
Gist of Idea
To determine the patterns in logic, one must identify its 'building blocks'
Source
Michal Walicki (Introduction to Mathematical Logic [2012], History Intro)
Book Reference
Walicki,Michal: 'Introduction to Mathematical Logic' [World Scientific 2012], p.2
A Reaction
A deceptively simple and important idea. All explanation requires patterns and levels, and it is the idea of building blocks which makes such things possible. It is right at the centre of our grasp of everything.