PHIL 1041 - Introduction to Logic

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course introduces students to the formal study of reasoning using the concepts and techniques of symbolic logic. By completing this course, students can fulfill Goal 4 (Mathematical Thinking) by learning a form of “mathematical thinking” that diverges from and yet also complements more traditional approaches that emphasize quantities, equations, and computation. Topics covered include representing the underlying logical structure of English sentences and arguments, testing whether arguments have good form, identifying valid and invalid argument forms, and recognizing common examples of bad reasoning. While it can be abstract and challenging, learning symbolic logic does have its practical side: it may lead to a deeper appreciation of the uses and abuses of language, more careful and critical reading skills, and a better understanding of how to craft well-reasoned writing.
MnTC Goals
Goal 4

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Characteristics of arguments
2. Formal logical systems
3. Tests for validity and invalidity
4. Formal deductive proof methods

1. apply basic logical definitions to a variety of arguments.  
2. symbolize English statements and arguments using a formal system of logical notation. 
3. identify different kinds of statement and argument forms. 
4. test symbolized arguments for validity and invalidity.
5. complete a logical proof.

04. 02. Clearly express mathematical/logical ideas in writing.

04. 03. Explain what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument(proof).

04. 04. Apply higher-order problem-solving and/or modeling strategies.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
None

Courses and Registration