Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Department of Philosophy

Department of Philosophy / Courses / Archives / Fall 2013 (1137) / Phil XX1 Surrey
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PHIL XX1 Critical Thinking

Fall Semester 2013 | Day | Surrey

 

INSTRUCTOR: J. Katz (jrkatz at sfu.ca)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the evaluation of arguments as they are encountered in everyday life. The central aim will be to sharpen skills of reasoning and argumentation by understanding how arguments work and learning to distinguish those which actually prove what they set out to prove from those which do not. This edition of PHIL XX1 will include the beginning elements of probability theory, combination theory, and causal judgments as they are used in argumentation. We shall also introduce elementary forms of both propositional and categorical logic.

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking, 6th ed., M. Salmon, Wadsworth


COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • 3 term tests - 25% each
  • Final exam (non-cumulative ) - 25%


Prerequisites: Philosophy XX1 has no prerequisites.
Note: Philosophy XX1 may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts and the Q-requirement.