Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
What makes an argument a good argument? What are the correct rules for reasoning? How do the meanings of sentences relate to each other? How can the tools of logic be used in philosophy?
This course provides an introduction to logic and tools for successfully evaluating arguments. Some of the topics covered include validity, soundness, consistency, entailment, provability, quantification, and identity. Two formal languages are introduced, the language of sentential logic and the language of quantified logic. The course develops the ability to symbolise English sentences into formal languages and to complete proofs in Natural Deduction. Logical concepts are applied to issues in philosophy of language, metaphysics, as well as philosophical puzzles and paradoxes.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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What makes an argument a good argument? What are the correct rules for reasoning? How do the meanings of sentences relate to each other? How can the tools of logic be used in philosophy?
This course provides an introduction to logic and tools for successfully evaluating arguments. Some of the topics covered include validity, soundness, consistency, entailment, provability, quantification, and identity. Two formal languages are introduced, the language of sentential logic and the language of quantified logic. The course develops the ability to symbolise English sentences into formal languages and to complete proofs in Natural Deduction. Logical concepts are applied to issues in philosophy of language, metaphysics, as well as philosophical puzzles and paradoxes.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback provided via MyAberdeen: individual scripts scored, solution document posted and explanatory video of solutions posted. Indicative Assessment week: teaching week 7; indicative Feedback week: teaching week 10 |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Develop critical thinking skills to understand how language and reasoning work. This will give them the skills to better evaluate real world arguments in situations ranging from politics to medicine |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Enhance ability to clearly articulate flaws in arguments and reasoning practices. This provides students with the ability to not only get to the truth, but also the ability to help others get there |
| Procedural | Create | Learn how to apply abstract logical approaches to a variety of applications in diverse areas of research. Provide the foundation to apply skills developed into new areas and in their lives generally |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback provided via MyAberdeen: individual scripts scored, solution document posted and explanatory video of solutions posted. Indicative Assessment week: teaching week 12; indicative Feedback week: teaching week 15 |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Develop critical thinking skills to understand how language and reasoning work. This will give them the skills to better evaluate real world arguments in situations ranging from politics to medicine |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Enhance ability to clearly articulate flaws in arguments and reasoning practices. This provides students with the ability to not only get to the truth, but also the ability to help others get there |
| Procedural | Create | Learn how to apply abstract logical approaches to a variety of applications in diverse areas of research. Provide the foundation to apply skills developed into new areas and in their lives generally |
| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback provided via MyAberdeen: solution document posted and explanatory video of solutions posted. Assessment and feedback in teaching week 11. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Develop critical thinking skills to understand how language and reasoning work. This will give them the skills to better evaluate real world arguments in situations ranging from politics to medicine |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Enhance ability to clearly articulate flaws in arguments and reasoning practices. This provides students with the ability to not only get to the truth, but also the ability to help others get there |
| Procedural | Create | Learn how to apply abstract logical approaches to a variety of applications in diverse areas of research. Provide the foundation to apply skills developed into new areas and in their lives generally |
| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback provided via MyAberdeen: solution document posted and explanatory video of solutions posted. Assessment and feedback in teaching week 6. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Develop critical thinking skills to understand how language and reasoning work. This will give them the skills to better evaluate real world arguments in situations ranging from politics to medicine |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Enhance ability to clearly articulate flaws in arguments and reasoning practices. This provides students with the ability to not only get to the truth, but also the ability to help others get there |
| Procedural | Create | Learn how to apply abstract logical approaches to a variety of applications in diverse areas of research. Provide the foundation to apply skills developed into new areas and in their lives generally |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Create | Learn how to apply abstract logical approaches to a variety of applications in diverse areas of research. Provide the foundation to apply skills developed into new areas and in their lives generally |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Develop critical thinking skills to understand how language and reasoning work. This will give them the skills to better evaluate real world arguments in situations ranging from politics to medicine |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Enhance ability to clearly articulate flaws in arguments and reasoning practices. This provides students with the ability to not only get to the truth, but also the ability to help others get there |
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