Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - PHIL 110 D100

Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)

Class Number: 7628

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2022
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 8, 2022
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 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:

This course is an introduction to the theory of logical reasoning. Students from all faculties will benefit from studying the 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 construct and evaluate deductive arguments

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 in natural deduction
  • 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
Videos: Why Study Philosophy? , Meet Our Professors!

Grading

  • Short online homework assignments 10%
  • Tutorial participation (A student’s scores for “tutorial participation” will be determined by their TA. The score depends on attendance in tutorials, as well as the students’ degree of active participation in the discussion) 5%
  • Midterm 35%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:

All lectures, tutorials, and exams will take place in person. Recordings of the lectures will be made available via Canvas.

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.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 in place from Spring 2021 to Summer 2023. 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 website 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