PHIL 310 – Symbolic Logic Spring 2013

Syllabus – keep handy for reference

Dr. Aeon J. Skoble

341 Tillinghast, x2460

Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble

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

Texts:

Deductive Logic, Leblanc and Wisdom (reprint edition as course pack)

Overview and objectives:

Logic is the science of correct reasoning. It is simultaneously a discipline unto itself as well as a tool for philosophers (and anyone else who cares about clear and careful thinking). Correct reasoning is correct in virtue of structural features in form (hence the expression “formal logic”). Thus, to distinguish good reasoning from bad, we need to understand the deep structure of reasoning. To facilitate this, we develop a symbol system (hence the expression “symbolic logic”) which isolates the formal structures from their possibly-ambiguous language contexts. We will study these structures and see how they function in exercises involving such ideas as deduction, proof, equivalence, entailment, and consistency. By doing so, we learn not only how to reason more effectively, but also what it is to reason, to think at all. This gives us heightened ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, and enlarged capacity for formulating and analyzing arguments rigorously. More specifically, this course explores the formal systems of propositional logic and quantificational logic. We will study proof procedures, axiomatization, formal syntax and semantics, identity, elementary set theory, and if time permits, elements of modality and elementary metatheory. Philosophical ramifications of logic will be explored as appropriate.

Requirements:

There will be problem sets attached to each unit, which are intended to give you the practice needed to become proficient at these techniques. The exercises need not be handed in; you will judge how much work you need to do. The answers to some of the problems are in the book, and we will devote a portion of class time to reviewing tricky problems. You may work together on these if you wish, but if you have not done a significant portion yourself, you will fail on examinations. Cheating on examinations will result in automatic failure of the course. There will be three midterms and a final, weighted roughly equally but with some emphasis on doing well later in the term.

Outline:

We begin with a very brief overview of those elements of formal logic covered in PHIL111, adding greater rigor and depth to the treatment of truth-functional logic. We will cover modes of statement composition and logical matters that derive from them. We will then develop a natural-deduction method for deriving statements from sets of statements. We will thus be able to show equivalence or non-equivalence of statements; consistency or inconsistency of sets of statements; logical truth, logical falsehood, or logical indeterminacy of statements; validity or invalidity of arguments; proofs of derivations. We will then do all of the above with quantificational logic, which involves the analysis of both universally quantified statements and existentially quantified statements.

Here’s a T/R calendar for your reference – midterms will be announced at least a week in advance.

Week of:

Jan 24 Introduction to course, distribution of syllabus

Jan 29-31

Feb 5-7

Feb 12-14

Feb 19-21

Feb 26-28

Mar 5-7 No class TH 3/7

Mar 12-14 BSU Spring Break; no classes

Mar 19-21

Mar 26-28

Apr 2-4

Apr 9-11

Apr 16-18

Apr 23-25

Apr 30-May 2 TH May 2 is the last day for T/R classes

TH May 9, 8:00 am - final exam

Other:

*I will have a web page for this class. On the top of my home page look for a link to “PHIL310”

*This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement “Applications of Quantitative Skills” (CQUR), as well as being a requirement for Philosophy majors.

*Make use of my office hours, and don’t hesitate to make an appointment if the posted times are not convenient for you. In any class, don’t wait until it’s “too late” to seek help. If you’re having trouble, let the professor know and show you are concerned. 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.

*The department maintains a web page, 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!

*All electronic devices, and ideally hats, should be off.

*Zero Tolerance Policy on cheating and plagiarism. That’s an F for the course.