Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PHIL 110 D100

Introduction to Logic and Reasoning (3)

Class Number: 3392

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2017
    Fri, 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 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 Certificate in Liberal Arts and the Quantitative Requirement.

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

This course is part of the FASS Forward pilot initiative that seeks to offer first-term students in 100-level courses in FASS with free, one-on-one tutoring. Up to 500 students from 12 pre-selected courses will receive 3 hours (6 half-hour sessions) of tutoring in addition to the support normally offered in each course. The students will be randomly chosen and participation is voluntary. 

Grading

  • Six online homework assignments 20%
  • Tutorial participation (grades will be determined by TAs for attendance and involvement in tutorials) 5%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final 40%
  • i>clicker 10%
  • In-class quiz in Week 4 5%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

i>clicker:

As you may know, i>clickers can be used in different classes.  If you already have one, don’t buy another.  If you don't already have one, buy one knowing that you can use it in other courses, or just borrow one if you can bring it to every lecture and register it.  I>clicker 1 is fine for this course, as I ask only multiple-choice questions.  I>clicker 2 and i-clicker + are also fine, but Web-clicker is not.  Details available early in the term.  Bring your clicker to the very first lecture if you have it, but don’t fret about having one or registering it (until Week 2).

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. 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS