Logical structure of arguments. Tests for validity.
Learn how to test the logical structure of arguments for validity and prove truths with deductive certainty. The main topics covered are: how to translate arguments into propositional and predicate logic and test for validity by looking for counterexamples. Philosophical issues about the limitations of logic are emphasised.
| Paper title | Introduction to Formal Logic |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHIL222 |
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One PHIL paper or 18 MATH points or 72 points
- Restriction
- PHIL 212, PHIL 322
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Notes
- The prerequisite will be waived for students with a background in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics (or equivalent).
- Eligibility
This paper is recommended for students who have taken PHIL105 Critical Thinking.
- Contact
- More information link
More information at the Philosophy programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Course co-ordinator: Associate Professor Zach Weber
Teaching staff to be confirmed.
- Paper Structure
Two 1-hour lectures per week and one tutorial.
- Textbooks
Required: Nicholas J Smith, Logic: the Laws of Truth (Princeton UP).
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will have:
- The ability to formalise and assess arguments for validity
- A grasp of how to use formal models to understand data
- A demonstrated ability to explain and assess philosophical issues about logic in their own words and to think critically and independently about them
- The ability to solve logical problems
Students who enjoy PHIL 222 will be well-prepared for PHIL 312 Advanced Logic, which uses the same methods to study non-classical logics.
