PHIL 110 Introduction to Logic and Reasoning
Fall Semester 2013 | Day | Vancouver Harbour Centre
INSTRUCTOR: K. Laird (klaird at sfu.ca)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Logic is concerned with the nature of reasoning, and investigates the laws that govern rational thought. Ordinary language is full of imprecision and ambiguity, and this course will introduce two precise symbolic languages – Sentential and Predicate – that enable good patterns of reasoning to be distinguished from bad. Good patterns of reasoning are those that are truth-preserving, which means that they provide a guarantee that where true statements are given in support of a claim, that claim could not be false. The skills you will acquire in identifying such patterns will have a valuable application wherever you have a concern with establishing the truth about some subject matter, in other academic disciplines or in practical life. The symbolic notation introduced requires no mathematical background or ability.
REQUIRED TEXTS
- The Logic Book, 6th edition, Merrie Bergmann and James Moore, McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 978-007803419
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- In-class exercises - 10%
- First mid-term - 20%
- Second mid-term - 30%
- Final exam - 40%
Prerequisites: PHIL 110 has no prerequisites and may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts, and the Q-requirement.