PP1EL-Elementary Logic
Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9
Email: s.j.schroeder@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
Arguments are the foundation of most philosophy. This module will teach you to explore in rigorous, mathematical terms why some arguments provide absolute support for their conclusions, and others do not. This module will thus provide essential formal heavy machinery for reading and writing original philosophical papers in later parts of the degree course.
Reading:
Required readings will be posted online.
Recommended:
The open-source, online textbook forall x:
http://www.fecundity.com/logic/
Wilfrid Hodges, Logic, Penguin 2001
Aims:
A first course in formal logic, in which students learn a mathematical proof system. Assuming no background knowledge, students will learn how to translate arguments between English and the formal system, and to assess arguments for their validity.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module you will understand:
the notions of validity and soundness, including their precise definitions.
The standard truth-functors, and their truth-tables.
How to translate arguments between English and a formal language.
How to use truth-tables and the formal system to evaluate the validity of propositional arguments.
How to use the formal system to evaluate the validity of arguments in predicate logic.
The statements (but not the proofs) of the soundness and completeness theorems for the formal system.
Additional outcomes:
You will also receive:
preparation for carefully reading and evaluating philosophical (and other) arguments, including in later modules.
Outline content:
Schedule of topics to be covered:
1) Consistency and validity
2) Truth-tables and truth-functors
3) Propositional calculus
4) Quantifiers
5) Predicate calculus
6) Soundness and completeness
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be by means of weekly classes with some lecturing, and a focus on working through examples. Students will be expected to pre-read textbook material, and much class time will be spent collectively working through problem sets.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Practicals classes and workshops | 10 | ||
| Guided independent study | 90 | ||
| Total hours by term | 100.00 | ||
| Total hours for module | 100.00 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Set exercise | 100 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Formative assessment methods:
There will be two sets of exercises each week: one which will be summatively assessed, and one which will be formatively assessed and worked-through in class, including some more difficult questions.
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission will be in accordance with University policy.Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 20 July 2018
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.