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Overview

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.

About this paper

Paper title Introduction to Formal Logic
Subject Philosophy
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
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

Professor Zach Weber

Teaching staff

Course co-ordinator: 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:

  1. The ability to formalise and assess arguments for validity
  2. A grasp of how to use formal models to understand data
  3. A demonstrated ability to explain and assess philosophical issues about logic in their own words and to think critically and independently about them
  4. The ability to solve logical problems

Students who enjoy PHIL222 will be well-prepared for PHIL312 Advanced Logic, which uses the same methods to study non-classical logics.

Overview

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.

About this paper

Paper title Introduction to Formal Logic
Subject Philosophy
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
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 PHIL 105 Critical Thinking.

Contact

Professor Zach Weber

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Professor Zach Weber

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:

  1. The ability to formalise and assess arguments for validity
  2. A grasp of how to use formal models to understand data
  3. A demonstrated ability to explain and assess philosophical issues about logic in their own words and to think critically and independently about them
  4. 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.

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