PHIL 22 - Symbolic Logic

PHIL 22
(C-ID PHIL 210)
3 units
Symbolic Logic
54 hours lecture
Grading: letter grade.

Description

This course is an introduction to the formal techniques of evaluating arguments. These formal techniques include propositional logic, truth trees, natural deduction, and quantificational logic.

Transferability

Transferable to both UC and CSU; see counselor for limitations

Identifiers & Codes

Department: Social Sciences
School: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Academic Level: Undergraduate
TOP Code: 150900 - Philosophy
CTE Status: No
SAM Code: E - Non-Occupational
CIP Code: 38.0101 - Philosophy.
Credit or Noncredit: Credit

Class Size Max, Units, Hours

Class Size Maximum: 40
Lecture Hours: 3
Supplemental Hours: 0
Credit Units: 3
Out of Class Hours: 6
Weekly In-Class Hours: 3
Teaching Units: 3
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Total Contact Hours: 54

Requisites & Limitations on Enrollment

Catalog Information

Grade Mode: Letter Grade
Are there Materials Fees for the course? No
Is the course repeatable? No

Student Learning Outcomes & Course Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes:
  • 1. Determine the validity of an argument using truth tables, truth trees, or natural deduction.
Course Objectives:

1. Distinguish premises from conclusions.
2. Prove the difference between valid and invalid arguments.
3. Practice many of the intermediate principles and methods of formal logic.
4. Distinguish between examples of valid and invalid arguments.

Course Content

Course Content:
I. Sentential Logic
A. Translation: symbols and connectives
B. Truth-functional connectives and truth values
C. Truth tables for statements
D. Validity
E. Truth tables for arguments
F. Indirect truth tables
G. Argument forms and fallacies

12 Hour(s)

II. Truth Trees
A. Truth trees for sentential logic

9 Hour(s)

III. Natural Deduction in Sentential Logic
A. Rules of elimination
B. Rules of implication
C. Rules of replacement
D. Conditional proofs
E. Indirect proofs
F. Proving logical truths

18 Hour(s)

IV. Predicate Logic
A. Symbols and translation
B. Using the rules of inference
C. Change of quantifier rule
D. Conditional and indirect proofs
E. Proving invalidity
F. Relational predicates and overlapping quantifiers
G. Identity

15 Hour(s)

Methods of Instruction & Active Learning

Instructional Method(s):
  • Other
Examples: The instructional methods that will typically be used in this course shall include (a) lecture, for the explanation of key concepts, and problem-solving applications; (b) discussion, for clarification of the subject matter as well as a means to facilitate critical analysis of the arguments and problems; and (c) collaborative group work, on tasks involving analysis, exegesis, or synthesis of course material.

Assignment for In and Out of Class

Assignment Types:
  • Substantial college level writing assignment, such as: essay(s), written homework, term/research paper, and/or other (Required).
  • Substantial college level reading assignment, such as: textbook, journal article(s), literature, and/or other (specify)
  • Group Assignment
Examples: Daily or weekly written homework will be assigned that will include problem-solving. Examinations or quizzes will also be given, at least three times per semester, which will require the demonstration of problem solving. Substantial college level reading will be required. The reading may come from the textbook or available publisher technology, such as online materials that may be packaged with the textbook, or faculty member provided resources, such as online reading materials at Canvas. Group work, such as natural deduction proofs or truth tables or truth trees, may be done in class.

Methods of Evaluation

Computational or Non-Computational Problem Solving Demonstrations:
  • Exam(s)
  • Quizzes
  • Homework Problem(s)
Examples: At least three examinations (exams or quizzes) will be given in order to assess students' ability to synthesize key concepts and solve appropriate problems as they relate to content. Quizzes may be given throughout the term, or as stipulated in the exam(s) section, to evaluate the skills that the students have developed in utilizing the appropriate truth-functions, argument forms, and rules in order to determine truth and validity. Students will be given several assignments that present statements and arguments to be analyzed for truth and validity, respectively.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibilty

The Social Sciences Department is committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and capable of succeeding. In all courses, we use inclusive and culturally responsive approaches that honor the diversity of our students, whether in their identities or lived experiences that they bring to the classroom. We choose course material that represents a wide range of voices and perspectives, and we design assignments that encourage students to connect social sciences concepts to their own communities. Our teaching practices are guided by the consideration of DEIA. We structure our courses to ensure that all students can access, engage with, and demonstrate their understanding through flexible and inclusive course content and activities. As a department, we continually review our curriculum and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure that our instruction remains equitable, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our students. We believe that the social sciences programs are powerful tools for connection and empowerment, and we are dedicated to supporting every student as they build the knowledge and skills needed to confidently think critically and ethically in a diverse world.

Representative Textbooks and Materials

Representative Textbook:

Copi, Irving M., Cohen, Carl, and Rodych, Victor. Introduction to Logic. Routledge. 2019.

Hurley, Patrick J. A Concise Introduction to Logic. Cengage. 2018.

Modality