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Module Title
LC Informal Logic
School
Phil, Theology and Religion
Department
Philosophy
Module Code
08 26772
Module Lead
Alastair Wilson
Level
Certificate Level
Credits
10
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
Logic is concerned with the evaluation of arguments, and thus with the very foundations of philosophy, and so whatever kinds of philosophy you are most interested in, you require a working knowledge of logical concepts. In the formal logic module, students acquire this competence by learning a special abstract language (featuring formulas you may have encountered before, like this: x[Fx Gx]) and learning how to construct proofs couched in that language.
However this approach is not for everybody – while some students enjoy formal symbolism and the puzzle-solving which proof-construction involves, others recoil from symbols and find the puzzles a little dry. So in this module we offer an alternative informal route into competence with logical concepts. Topics include logical consequence, consistency and inconsistency, deductive and inductive inference, truth-functionality, logical scope, quantification, and identity.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Understand an important range of logical concepts, including those enumerated above.
Apply this understanding by identifying key features of arguments in abstract philosophical writing.
manifest an improvement in general philosophical skills such as the interpretation of philosophical literature and the analysis and evaluation of philosophical arguments.
Assessment
26772-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
26772-02 : Online Test : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessments:1 x course-work problem set ( 50%) and 1 x 60 minute centrally-timetabled exam (50%).
Reassessment: : 1 x course-work problem set and 1 x 60 minute centrally-timetabled exam.
