Philosophy 254: Symbolic Logic is an introduction to reasoning in formal symbolic logic. The course covers the syntax and semantics of classical sentential and predicate logic, translation of English sentences into symbolic form, and procedures for evaluating sentences and arguments, principally natural deduction.
Outline
This course is divided into ten units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Deductive Logic
Unit 2: The Language SL
Unit 3: Truth Tables
Unit 4: The System SD
Unit 5: Using SD for Fun and Profit
Unit 6: Further Uses of SD
Unit 7: SD+
Unit 8: PL
Unit 9: Informal Semantics for PL
Unit 10: PD and PD+
Learning outcomes
Philosophy 254: Symbolic Logic is an introductory course in the formal techniques of argument analysis and evaluation. When students have completed PHIL 254, they should be able to
symbolize English sentences and arguments using symbolic notation.
use truth tables to evaluate for formal logical properties such as entailment and consistency.
construct derivations to show that arguments in sentential and predicate logic are valid.
construct interpretations for predicate logic to demonstrate properties such as consistency and invalidity.
Evaluation
The final mark in PHIL 254 is based on five equally weighted assignments, a video presentation of a derivation, and a final assessment. To receive credit for this course, students must complete every assignment, the video presentation of a derivation, and the final assessment, receiving an average grade of D (50 percent) on this work. All assignments are graded out of 100 percent.
Activity
Weight
Complete by
Assignment 1
10%
After Unit 3
Derivation Presentation
15%
After Unit 5
Assignment 2
10%
After Unit 6
Assignment 3
10%
After Unit 7
Assignment 4
10%
After Unit 9
Assignment 5
10%
After Unit 10
Final Assessment
35%
After completion of all course units, assignments, and the derivation presentation
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Bergmann, Merrie, James Moor, and Jack Nelson. The Logic Book. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2014. (eText)
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PHIL 254 challenge registration, a student must achieve an overall grade of at least D (50 percent).
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.