Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - PHIL 110 D100

Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)

Class Number: 3988

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2021
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

Logic is often understood as the study of the sentence structures and rules required for making good arguments derived from the way we argue in natural languages like English. On such a view, a good argument is typically taken to be one such that were it to begin with true claims about the world, it could only lead, via proper inference, to further true claims about the world. Such arguments are called valid deductions. This course will focus upon a number of basic formal elements central to this conception of Logic.

We will seek to understand the basic principles of valid deductive arguments by learning how to generate well-formed sentences in a formal language and by learning the meaning and function of the logical connectives that operate upon such sentences. We will then develop a proof system that will allow us to generate arguments using the sentences formulated within this language. Finally, we will take our basic formal language and develop it further via the addition of quantificational operators, which will introduce us to what is frequently called “First Order Logic.”

Studying Logic is valuable for virtually any student in any discipline. It promotes strategic problem solving, a grounding for how logical systems—like computer programs—function, as well as a more precise understanding of how arguments are fitted together, which is useful for constructing one’s own written work, and understanding the written work of others.

This course assumes no prior knowledge of logic, and is intended for all students, whether or not they are planning further study in philosophy.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 110 may be applied towards the Quantitative Requirement. It is also a required course for the Philosophy Major.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Assess the quality of an argument using formal methods
  2. Appreciate the general principles of good reasoning  
  3. Determine the validity of an argument in terms of its logical form
  4. Symbolize English arguments using logical notation introduced in the course
  5. Translate sentences expressed in logical notation into English
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of basic logical concepts (truth-functions, validity, soundness, deduction and quantification)
Videos: PHIL 110, Why Study Philosophy? , Meet Our Professors!

Grading

  • 3 assignments (15 % each) 45%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final exam (cumulative) 30%
  • Tutorial participation and attendance: based upon contributions to class discussion and collective problem solving. 10%

NOTES:

Lecture delivery: remote, asynchronous (recorded content).
Tutorial delivery: remote, synchronous.  Online presence is required during scheduled tutorial time. 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, microphone, and internet access. Headsets are advisable but not necessary. Students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here. If students do not have reliable access, they should inform their instructor and contact the IT desk to see if a loaner computer can be arranged. There is one computer lab on campus for limited access. Classes will be conducted on Zoom. It is recommended that students use broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) internet connection, with bandwidth of at least 1.5Mbps (upload and download).

REQUIRED READING:

"Language, proof, and logic", 2nd edition" by Dave Baker-Plummer, John Etchemendy, and Jon Barwise. 
E-copies of the textbook are available for purchase here.


ISBN: 978-1-57586-632-1

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, 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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).