We begin by learning the key logical concepts applied to sentences and sets of sentences: logical truth and falsehood, logical equivalence, consistency and validity. In order to test for these properties, we will learn how to represent the structure of sentences and arguments given in ordinary language.  This will involve learning the symbolic languages for propositional logic and predicate logic.  For propositional logic, we will then learn to evaluate for the different logical properties using regular and short truth tables as well as truth trees.  For predicate logic, we will again rely on truth trees as well as the construction of interpretations. (Please note: We will not be doing derivations.  These are covered in PHILO 275.) 

Besides introducing the student to the fundamentals of symbolic logic, this course will help to develop and sharpen the student’s analytical skills. More particularly, the goal is that the student will become more adept at determining the meaning of a sentence and determining what other sentences may follow from it, entail it, be equivalent to it, or be consistent with it.  Because these are skills essential for anyone majoring in philosophy, this course is required for all philosophy majors.  

For this course, no prior knowledge of logic will be assumed.  PHILO 103 is not a prerequisite for this course.

Text: The Logic Book, 5th edition, by Merrie Bergmann, James Moor and Jack Nelson (McGraw-Hill, 2009).  ISBN: 9780073535630. Price $86.20 (Amazon.com)  Please note that this is a new edition.