Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to formal logic. There will be four different components to our study: (1) learning a formal language for sentential (propositional) and predicate logic; (2) learning how to “translate” English sentences into sentences in the formal language, and vice versa; (3) learning how to construct proofs of validity for arguments in the formal language; and (4) learning the semantics (or model theory) for the formal language.

But what does all that mean? Formal logic aims to represent certain aspects of human reasoning. The formal language brings to the surface the logical connections between different claims and enables us to use mechanical techniques for evaluating arguments.

But what use is it? For most of you, mastery of the formal system is not an end in itself but rather serves as a means to help you to become better reasoners. The skills you acquire in studying logic – such as figuring out how to reach a desired goal from a given set of resources, developing the habit of paying close attention to what a statement says (and what it doesn’t say!), and learning what makes an argument a good argument – can prove invaluable as you make your way in the world, no matter what course of study, or what career, you choose. Of course, if you go on to study more philosophy, your study of logic will have additional benefits, since many contemporary philosophers presuppose an understanding of logic in their writing. Finally, to mention one very practical consideration: studying logic helps you to be more analytical. This is useful preparation for standardized tests such as the LSAT and the GRE.

Course Text

The text for this course is Logic Primer, by Colin Allen and Michael Hand. Copies are available in Huntley Bookstore. Supplementary course notes, homework problems and solutions will be posted on the course web page at:

http://phil-rlst.claremontmckenna.edu/akind/Logic07s/145s07.htm

Internet Resources

There are two important web-based resources for this class. The first is the Quizmaster, a program which generates mini-quizzes on the course material. The second is the Logic Daemon, a proof-checker designed for use with our textbook. All of the web resources for the class can be accessed from our course web page.

Course Requirements

There is virtually no reading required for this class. In its place, there is required homework—you cannot learn logic without working through problems on your own I will be assigning you homework problems in almost every class, due the following class. I do not intend to collect the homework, but I reserve the right to alter this policy if I find that people are neglecting the homework. If you miss class, you should check the website (or with a classmate or with me) to get the homework assignments.

Tests

There will be three in-class tests, each worth 20% of your course grade. All tests are open book and open notes/handouts – though no computers are allowed. Before each test, I will also make available copies of the equivalent test and sample answers from a previous year. The expected test schedule is as follows:

Test #1 Thursday, February 15

Test #2 Thursday, March 8

Test #3 Thursday, April 12

Test dates will be confirmed in class at least one week prior to the dates listed above. Barring extraordinary circumstances, no make-up tests will be administered unless prior arrangements have been made with me.

Final Exam

The final exam, worth 40% of your course grade, will be held on Tuesday, May 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The final will be cumulative, though it will emphasize the material covered after the third in-class test. Like the in-class tests, the final is open book and open notes. You should also note that you cannot pass the course without taking all three tests and the final.

Note: Graduating seniors will take the final exam on Thursday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. No one other than graduating seniors may take the exam at this time.

Three Keys to Mastering Logic

¨ Come to class.

As you will quickly notice, Logic Primer is not designed for self-study; it is a very sparse text. It is extremely difficult (I would even go so far as to say that it is impossible) to learn the material without coming to class.

¨ Practice, practice, and more practice!

Learning logic is a lot like learning a foreign language. It is also a lot like learning math. Courses in logic, like courses in foreign languages and mathematics, require that you learn certain skills – and in order to learn any skill, you have to practice. It is not enough merely to come to class and read the book – you have to put in time working on your own. Towards this end, I will be assigning lots of practice problems as homework. You should work hard on the practice problems, attempting them when they are distributed (and, importantly, before I distribute solutions). It is one thing to be able to look at a solution and to understand why it is right. It is quite another thing to be able to arrive at that solution yourself.

¨ Don’t get behind.

Another respect in which logic courses are like courses in mathematics or courses in foreign languages is that the material is cumulative. It is very important to keep up. If you find yourself having trouble with any of the material, please come see me as soon as possible. I will be happy to work with you in office hours or by appointment. Don’t wait until a couple of days before a test to come ask for help.