PHIL 111-024 Foundations of Logical Reasoning– Spring 2008

Syllabus – keep handy for reference

Dr. Aeon J. Skoble

341 Tillinghast, x2460

Email: askoble-at-bridgew-dot-edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble

Office hours: M 10:15-11:15, TTH 1:45-2:45, or by appointment

Text:

The Art of Reasoning, 3^rd edition, by David Kelley

Overview and objectives:

The Core Curriculum features both “knowledge goals” and “skills goals.” Like writing and mathematics, the techniques of logical reasoning are considered to be valuable (and transferable) skills. Logic is the science of correct reasoning. Everyone thinks and reasons, but it can be done well or poorly. In this course we will learn to tell the difference between the two and how to excel at the former. We shall therefore study the nature and structure of argumentation, the role of language in argument, truth and validity, methods of identifying fallacious forms of reasoning, and a variety of methods of proof, deduction, and refutation. We will also as time permits consider some puzzling issues of a theoretical nature, and we will at each stage learn to apply the techniques in common situations and as found in selected readings. Everyone knows how to reason already, but one can become a better reasoner through study, care, and practice.

Our specific objectives, as stated in the College’s Core Curriculum, are:

• Understand the intellectual foundations, conceptual frameworks, and methodologies of logic
• Define what an argument is and distinguish argument from non-argument
• Construct arguments consistent with best practices in a discipline
• Formulate constructive responses to criticism.
• Differentiate between valid and invalid arguments
• Identify formal/structural features of valid argumentation
• Differentiate good reasoning from bad
• Recognize the more common fallacies to be avoided in reasoning
• Identify what kinds of reasons are relevant to what kinds of propositions
• Recognize/identify/understand the relevance of systems of logical reasoning for major foundational projects for acquisition and increase of knowledge
• Recognize/identify/understand the function of logic in the context of theories of/issues about meaning, knowledge, values and/or reality
• Apply logical reasoning to controversies in ethics, politics, science, and/or religion

Requirements:

Half your grade will be determined by the average of a series of almost-weekly quizzes, adjusted somewhat for poor or excellent in-class performance. The other half will be determined by the final exam, adjusted somewhat for improvement over the course of the semester. Regular attendance is also a requirement of the class. Obviously there is such a thing as a good reason to miss class, so please be sure you limit your absences to such occasions. Absences in excess of three will result in reduction of your grade. Excessive lateness will count as absence. Cheating will result in a failing grade, removal from the class, and possibly expulsion. You are expected to have done the readings and homework exercises and be prepared to answer questions in class. If you do have to miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate. (On the other hand, if I am late, it almost certainly means I am ill – call the department office at x1258 to find out.) In general, try to observe some of the ground rules of civilized society: Cell phones, pagers, iPods, PDAs (and, ideally, hats) should be off, eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep. You are not to answer your cell phone during class. Laptops may only be on during times we are using them as a class. Disruptive behavior will result in your being asked to leave.

Other useful tips:

*Most of you are freshmen, so one ancillary goal of this Core class is to acclimate you to the college environment. For example, even if you were a superior student in High School, you will find that the time you need to invest in studying has now increased. College is different from HS in many ways. Some differences are about etiquette and protocol; for instance, your professors may bristle at being called “Mr. So-and-so” or “Ms. So-and-so” and may think you’re slighting them even if that wasn’t your intention. But other differences are profound: for one thing, you have a much greater responsibility for self-monitoring. You will need to make a conscious effort to stay on top of your work. The general rule of thumb for college classes is that it takes 2 hours outside of class for every hour of class time. Think about that.

*I will have a web site for this class. On the top of my home page look for a link to “PHIL111”. This page also links to the Blackboard site for this class.

*Make use of my office hours, and don’t hesitate to make an appointment if the posted times are not convenient for you. Don’t wait until it’s “too late” to seek help. Don’t expect a full recap of the entire semester’s work the day before an exam. Come to office hours with definite questions, concerns, or problems in mind. Don’t wait until you arrive to think about what you need help with. This is almost certainly also applicable to your other professors.

*Never ask “Did I miss anything important in class the other day?” Of course you did. I recommend the “buddy system.” If you do have to miss class for some reason, get your buddy’s notes and see what you missed first, then come and ask me questions. Additionally, when exam time comes around, I recommend devoting a portion of your study time to studying with your buddy or others. This helps you fill in gaps in each others’ understanding and forces you to be sure you can articulate the ideas you are reviewing.

* Please don’t ask for “extra credit.” If you have time for an extra credit project, you have time to work harder on the regular assignments. Hand in all assignments on time, and do not ask for extensions or exam/quiz make-ups, except under the most extraordinary circumstances. Do not expect a make up or any special accommodations if you do miss if you haven’t cleared the absence in advance.

A note on the course-wide pre- and post-testing: One of the reasons we use a uniform assessment mechanism for all students is to gather aggregate data about student learning in the core skills area of logic. That’s of benefit to the college and the department, but it might not be clear how this benefits you. It does, however -- by giving you tangible evidence that you have learned something. A before-and-after measure of your logical reasoning skills will demonstrate your improvement and give you more confidence in your abilities.

Outline (subject to change):

Jan 24 – introduction to course, distribution of syllabus, explanation of pre-test

Jan 29-31 – some basics; skimming ch. 1-4; begin ch. 5

Feb 5-7 – continuing coverage of chapters 5-7

Feb 12-14 – ch 5-7 continued

Feb 19-21 – ch 5-7 continued, or begin coverage of chapters 8-9

Feb 26-28 – Begin coverage of chapters 8-9 if we haven’t yet

Mar 4-6 – continuing coverage of ch. 8-9

Mar 11-13 – ch 8-9 continued

Mar 18-20 – Spring Break

Mar 25-27 – ch 8-9 continued

Apr 1-3 - ch 8-9 continued; or begin coverage of chapters 10-11

Apr 8-10 – Begin coverage of chapters 10-11 if we haven’t already

Apr 15-17 – continuing coverage of 10, adding material from ch. 12-13

Apr 22-24 – ch 10-13 continued

Apr 29-May 1 – Some material from ch. 15-17 if we haven’t already

May 1 – conclusion; review

May 6 – Reading Day

May 8 – final exam/post-test (8:00 am)

Further notes:

*If you’re finding the subject matter interesting, consider getting involved with the BSC Philosophy Club, which is student-run and meets periodically, independent of faculty oversight. You might also consider the advantages of Philosophy as a major. It offers excellent preparation for a variety of careers, especially law, public policy, and management.

*The department maintains a web site, which contains links to useful resources, fun philosophical diversions, and information about coming events of potential interest. Go to http://www.bridgew.edu/philosophy and have a look around!