Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - PHIL 110 D100

Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)

Class Number: 7133

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2023
    Sat, 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 introduces students to the logic of good reasoning. We focus on the main elements of deductive logic, which is primarily concerned with correctly deducing a conclusion from given premises, or what is often called “valid inference” or “logical consequence”. We begin with truth-functional logic, where we focus on the logical properties of whole sentences and arguments built with them. We then proceed to develop a proof system—a system of deduction—for this, i.e., a way of deriving logical consequences from given sentences as a starting point. We end the course by looking at elements of first-order logic, which contains quantifiers and variables, and which gives a correspondingly more complex means of expression and system of deduction.

An introductory study of 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 prize precision, clarity, rigor, practice, and patience.

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: Why Study Philosophy? and Meet Our Professors!

Grading

  • 3 take-home assignments 35%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final exam 40%
  • Attendance and participation in tutorial 10%

NOTES:


Course delivery: In person

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Forallx: SFU. A free PDF of the textbook will be made available at the beginning of class.

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 philcomm@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