Symbolic Logic
| Module title | Symbolic Logic |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL2021 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Jonathan Davies (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
In this course you will be introduced to the basic concepts and methods of formal logic and develop some important techniques for evaluating arguments. You will cover the formal language of sentential logic. This will allow you to uncover the underlying structure of many basic arguments and to study the nature of valid deductive reasoning. The semantics and syntax of deductive arguments will be assessed and proofs developed in basic sentential logic.
These skills will equip you with tools that allow you to engage with the semantics and syntactic of philosophical arguments, revealing the general features of valid deductive reasoning.The emphasis will be on the application of logical analysis to natural language arguments. To this end you will focus on the natural deduction method of proofs.
It is expected that in taking this course you will have completed the module Evidence and Argument PHL1005A.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to develop your reasoning skills and provide a thorough grounding in the logical analysis of philosophical arguments. These skills are a fundamental component of the analytical philosopher’s toolkit and will allow the students to analyse a wide range of arguments from the abstract to the practical. Symbolisation and the natural deduction method facilitate a broad understanding of the forms of argument that are widely used (and misused) in academic discourse and everyday life. The translation of, sometimes vague and imprecise, natural language arguments into the precise and unambiguous languages of basic sentential and predicate logic is a powerful tool for revealing what is actually at stake in arguments. The construction of proofs in these formal languages also develops a rigour and precision in the students’ reasoning that will be invaluable in a wide range of circumstances.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. symbolise complex natural language arguments in sentential and monadic predicate logic
- 2. test argument validity with truth tables and interpretations
- 3. develop proofs in sentential logic making use of the natural deduction method
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. analyse and understand the underlying structure of arguments
- 5. apply an understanding of logical structure to natural language arguments
- 6. develop reasoning skills with the logical tools learned
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. construct and evaluate arguments
- 8. formulate and express ideas clearly and rigourously at different levels of abstraction
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Arguments, Logical Form, Validity
Symbolizing Arguments in Sentential Logic
Syntax and Semantics for Sentential Logic
Testing Argument Validity: Truth-Tables and Interpretations
Natural Deduction (Proofs) in Sentential Logic
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Weekly 2-hour lectures / seminars or 1 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar |
| Guided Independent Study | 33 | Assigned readings associated with each seminar |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for class discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 25 | Preparation for Assigned Essay |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Exam Revision and Private Study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class exercises | 1-8 | Verbal tutor and peer feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 0 | 70 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homework assignments | 30 | Two homework assignments set at regular intervals throughout the module | 1-8 | Written and verbal feedback |
| Examination | 70 | 1.5 hours | 1-8 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework assignments | Two homework assignments set at appropriate intervals | 1-8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Examination (1.5 hours) | 1-8 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Forbes, G.Modern Logic: A Text in Elementary Symbolic Logic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994.
Smith, P. An Introduction to Formal Logic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | PHL1005A |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 08/03/2016 |
| Last revision date | 01/01/2022 |
