Fall 2021 - PHIL 110 D100
Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)
Class Number: 7387
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 20, 2021
Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Thomas Donaldson
tmdonald@sfu.ca
Office: WMC 5603
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to familiarize students with fundamental techniques of correct reasoning. Special attention is given to the methods of logic in particular, and to their role in the discovery of truth not only within science and philosophy but within all forms of rational enquiry. Open to all students. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course introduces the art of logical reasoning, that is, to the methods used in the construction and evaluation of logical arguments. The study of basic logic provides excellent preparation for intellectual work in many other disciplines. Students from all faculties will benefit from learning various methods of sound reasoning — methods that involve precision, clarity, rigor, practice, and patience. Students in this course should expect to develop an enhanced ability to engage in disciplined argument and to write in an organized and focused way.
This course assumes no prior knowledge of logic, and is intended for all students, whether they are planning further study in philosophy or not. We will introduce formal symbolic logic, focusing on argument structure, propositional logic and elementary quantificational logic. Applications to certain fields (such as philosophy, linguistics, computer science, mathematics, etc.) will be considered, if students manifest interest in those topics.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
PHIL 110 may be applied towards the Quantitative Requirement. It is also a required course for the Philosophy Major.
General Educational Goals:
- Demonstrate an ability to assess the quality of a deductive argument using formal methods
Specific Educational Goals:
- Translate English sentences into logical notation
- Translate sentences expressed in logical notation into English
- Evaluate the validity of arguments (e.g. using truth tables)
- Construct proofs
- Recognize fallacies in deductive arguments
- Recognize ambiguity in English sentences
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic logical concepts, (such as/including) truth-functions, validity, soundness, deduction and quantification
Grading
- Six online homework assignments 10%
- Tutorial participation (score determined by the TA, and depends on attendance in tutorials, as well as the students’ degree of active participation in the discussion) 5%
- Final exam 85%
NOTES:
Lecture and tutorial delivery: in person. (The six online homework assignments can of course be completed remotely.)
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Students need access to the internet, to access the homework assignments and readings.
REQUIRED READING:
Students will not be required to purchase a textbook. Reading materials will be circulated by the instructor. Students wishing to do some preparatory reading should look at For all x, by PD Magnus, which is available here: https://www.fecundity.com/logic/download.html.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca More details on our website: SFU Philosophy
New elective grade policy : P/CR/NC, pilot project for Spring/Summer/Fall 2021. List of exclusions for the new policy. Specifically for Philosophy:
- Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any requirement for a major, joint major, honours, or minor in Philosophy (with the exception of Honours tutorials).
- Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any prerequisite requirement for any PHIL course.
- Students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any requirement for the Ethics Certificate, or the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate.
- Philosophy Majors and Honours students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any WQB requirement.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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
TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021
Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place. Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.