Summer 2024 - PHIL 110 D100
Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)
Class Number: 3568
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Nicolas Fillion
nfillion@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the theory of deductive reasoning. We consider deductive arguments in philosophy, in everyday life, and in mathematical proofs, and discuss what distinguishes valid inferences from fallacies. The course will cover propositional logic and first-order logic. Open to all students. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course is intended to introduce students to the art and science of logical reasoning, i.e., to the crucial but elementary methods needed to construct and assess logically valid 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 prize 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.
Videos: Why Study Philosophy? and Meet Our Professors!
General Educational Goals:
- Demonstrate an ability to assess the quality of an argument using formal methods
- Appreciate the general principles of good reasoning
Specific Educational Goals:
- Determine the validity of an argument in terms of its logical form
- Symbolize English arguments using logical notation introduced in the course
- Translate sentences expressed in logical notation into English
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic logical concepts, (such as/including) truth-functions, validity, soundness, deduction and quantification
Grading
- Six online homework assignments 15%
- Tutorial participation (grades will be determined by TAs for attendance and involvement in tutorials) 5%
- Midterm #1 25%
- Midterm #2 25%
- Final exam 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Richard T.W. Arthur (2017). An Introduction to Logic: Using Natural Deduction, Real Arguments, a Little History and Some Humour. 2nd Edition. Broadview Press. 456 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1554813322.
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
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