INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC

COURSE SYNOPSIS

INSTRUCTOR:	Dan Petersen	COURSE ALPHA:	PHIL 110
CLASS:	MW/09:30-10:45 / EKH 124	OFFICE HR:	W/08:00 - 09:00
OFFICE:	UHH Bldg. 345F-A	PHONE:	Wk. 974-7743
URL:	http://www.hawaii.hawaii.edu/danp	E-MAIL:	danielpe@hawaii.edu

---

PREREQUISITE: Completion of ENG 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or Placement in ENG 100 or ENG 102.

TEXT: Essential Logic: Basic Reasoning Skills for the 21stCentury, by Ron C. Pine.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a lecture section, that involves developing certain basic methods and techniques of analysis and an understanding of the principles and concepts involved in modern reasoning. Emphasis will be placed on the difference between, empirical truth and logical validity, deductive and inductive reasoning, common fallacies and application of the scientific method to the criteria of reasonable evidence, symbolic logic, symbolic translation, proving invalidity, truth value, truth tables, and formal proofs of validity.  Fuzzy Logic an extension of truth functional logic involving degrees of truth.

COURSE PURPOSE:

Logic is an important element in the development of individual reasoning potential, enabling us to be better, freer and more decisive persons. This course is based on the sound realization that unless and until we learn to think critically, for ourselves, the more likely it will be that someone else will think emotionally for us, usually with the intention of manipulating us to suit their own ends. From this point of view, logic can be seen as a defensive tool, empowering each of us to defend ourselves against the onslaught of powerful, emotionally persuasive appeals, that impact our minds on a daily basis.

COURSE OUTCOMES, Students will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the beauty and power of symbolic systems, as well as their clarity and precision, through use of techniques of logical analysis, with the intention of enhancing the student's reasoning skills and appreciation of abstraction, pattern recognition, and formal systems of analysis. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of a logical proof as a chain of inferences by producing symbolic chains of inferences of their own in order to solve problems.
• Demonstrate skill, be able to explain, and engage in and  hypothetical reasoning, and gain experience in the presentation, analysis, justification and critical evaluation of evidence.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply symbolic techniques and formal rules in the context of problem solving by applying symbolic analysis techniques (translating, formal proof techniques, truth tables, argument pattern recognition) both to informal fallacies and formal reasoning.

COURSE CONTENT

A. Introductory lectures covering 'key' terminology. (15% Chapters 1-3)

1. Reading carefully, to recognize arguments and emotionally persuasive appeals.

2. Argument analysis: premises and conclusions.

3. Deductive and Inductive reasoning

4. Valid, Invalid and Sound arguments.

B. Common logical (informal) fallacies. (15% Chapters 4 and 5)

1. Students will be required to read daily newspapers,periodicals, and watch television commercials, as well as, be aware of local, national and international issues. The formal presentation and critical evaluation of evidence will be emphasized.

FALLACIES TO BE LEARNED:

	1. Appeals to Authority	11. Ad Hominem Abusive
	2. Appeals to Popularity	12. Ad Hominem Circumstantial
	3. Appeals to Loyalty	13. Questionable Dilemma
	4. Provincialism	14. Straw Person
	5. Traditional Wisdom	15. Suppressed Evidence
	6. Two Wrongs Make a Right	16. Ambiguity/Equivocation
	7. Hasty Conclusion	17. Begging the Question
	8. Questionable Cause	18. Irrelevant Reason
	9. Questionable Analogy	19. Complex Question
	10. Slippery Slope	20. Appeals to Ignorance

C. Essential skills of symbolic logic. Although the course material will be presented by lecture, and Internet searches, a significant portion of class work will consist of student learning groups. Students will often be asked to form groups and compare answers to homework problems in class. (70% Chapters 7-10, and 12)

1.Symbolic Translation

2. Truth Tables

3. Brief Truth Tables

4. Formal Proofs of Validity. (Copi's 19 rules of inference and replacement)

5. Fuzzy Logic

EVALUATION:

Because this course involves a step by step, one step at a time introduction of material, class attendance is important and will be considered in borderline cases. There will be eight quizzes (20 pts. each for a total of 160 pts), one Mid -Term exam on informal fallacies and the material covered in chapters 1-5, totaling (100pts), and a Final exam covering symbolic logic (150 pts). There will be no make-up for missed quizzes, but there will be a extra credit exam (50 pts) that can be used to make up points for missed quizzes, provided that there is a good reason for having missed a quiz. In addition, with the exception of the "A" grade, extra credit points can be used to raise a student's grade one letter grade. This will be clarified further in class. The final grade is based on a percentage of the total points received as follows:

• 90-100% ... A
• 80-89% .… B
• 66-79% .… C
• 55-65% …. D
• -54% ..…... F

Participation, Preparedness and timely completion of written assignments will be considered when determining your grade. Any student missing a total of two weeks, during the semester, will receive an F grade. All disappears will receive an F grade. All students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Any student with a documented disability who would like to request accommodations should contact Karen Kane at ex. 30702, as early in the semester as possible.
In order to do well in this class you must:

                    1.    Show up for class.    2.    Participate.    3.    Do the course work.

                    2.    Class Hrs.: 1 hour in class requires two hours of study outside class.

3.    Please note the "I" grade is applicable, only if there are special circumstances that warrant such a grade.