| |
Oct 23, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
PHIL 1105 - Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning
Credits: 3
Catalog Description
This course introduces students to the philosophical study of reasoning. Studies include the function and uses of language, the distinction between deductive and inductive arguments, methods for symbolizing and evaluating the validity of deductive arguments, and the detection of informal fallacies. Students will gain practical skills used in the evaluation of inductive and deductive arguments.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area(s) fulfilled: Goal 02: Critical Thinking, Goal 04: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
Additional fee to student: No
Learner Outcomes
- Distinguish between arguments and non-arguments.
- Distinguish between inductive and deductive arguments.
- Distinguish between flawed/successful inferences and the truth-value of premises.
- Identify and explain specific fallacies that demonstrate flawed inferences.
- Translate ordinary sentences into appropriate symbolic representation which are suitable for formal tests of validity within systems of propositional or predicate calculus.
- Apply formal proofs for deductive arguments, demonstrating validity and invalidity.
Major Areas of Course Content
- Nature of philosophy and the central role of logic
- Distinction between arguments and non-arguments
- Distinction between inductive and deductive arguments
- Appropriate terms for analysis of arguments (Inductive: strength and cogency; Deductive: validity and soundness)
- Informal fallacies
At least 3/4 of the course will be spent on the following
- Categorical Logic (including translation, Square of Opposition, and Venn Diagrams)
- Symbolic translation of statements (and deductive arguments), for use in truth-functional logic
- Truth-Tables (or Truth-Trees) used to check the validity of deductive arguments
- Formal proofs of validity/invalidity using Natural Deduction or related system of axiomatic formal propositional or predicate calculus
Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course.
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)
|
|
