If Not and or but Conjunctions in Sentential and Deductive Logic

The simple conjunctions of the English language are defined in terms of truth tables to show the relationship between logic and linguistic coupling words. Some principles and problems of deduction in technical writing are discussed in terms: of linguistic couplers, of the technical level necessary for understanding the premises, and of the criteria for judging arguments in different fields of reasoning. This is an introductory paper; it discusses several related principles of technical reasoning, and it provides detailed references and a brief annotated bibliography for those who wish to read further.