Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - PHIL XX1 E100

Critical Thinking (3)

Class Number: 3718

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2015
    Wed, 6:00–6:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the evaluation of arguments as they are encountered in everyday life. The central aim will be to sharpen skills of reasoning and argumentation by understanding how arguments work and learning to distinguish those which actually prove what they set out to show from those which do not. Open to all students. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will include inductive as well as deductive argumentation.  A brief survey of probability (as applied to arguments), hypothesis testing, causal arguments (Mill’s methods), and decision theory (Prisoner’s dilemma) will be included.  Both categorical and propositional logic will be introduced.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL XX1 may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts and the Quantitative Requirement.

Grading

  • 3 in-class exams, each worth 25% of the final mark 75%
  • a take-home final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

M. Salmon’s,  Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (latest edition)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS