Philosophy: Introduction to Logic

Study of the basic principles of deductive inference.

Open to degree and PACE students

This course is a course in formal logic. Formal logic involves analyzing arguments formally (i.e. just looking at the structure of the argument) to see whether the argument is a good argument or a bad argument. We will focus on developing four main skills in this course: 1) understanding important logical concepts like true and false sentences, valid and sound arguments, logical entailment, etc.; 2) translating sentences from English into our formal (i.e. mathematical) language; 3) when an argument is valid, proving that it is valid using a formal logical system; and 4) when an argument is not valid or not sound, showing that it is not (perhaps by using counterexamples).

You will be expected to read the textbook in order to complete homework assignments, which will be assigned weekly. Homework assignments will involve the use of computer software to help you know when your work is done correctly or incorrectly, and to help give you advice or hints when your work is not done correctly. Homework may be done collaboratively (though exams may not be). Many classes will be focused on homework advice, and some classes will be focused on explaining concepts. You will be expected to have read the relevant materials in the book prior to working on the problems in class.

Your grade will be determined by your score on weekly homework assignments (60% total), your score on the midterm exam (10%), your score on the final exam (25%), and your performance on attendance quizzes (to be assigned randomly, 5%).