Time Schedule:
Benjamin S. P. Almassi
PHIL 115
Seattle Campus
Introduction to logic emphasizing concepts and methods useful for practical analysis of arguments in everyday contexts; meaning, syllogisms, logical diagrams, inductive and statistical inference, informal fallacies, argument structure, perhaps some beginning symbolic logic. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
This course is a philosophical introduction to critical reasoning with attention to the practical consequences of reasoning poorly and successfully performed. We begin by studying some key aspects of argumentation (validity, soundness, warrant, necessity, sufficiency, etc.) and the ways in which arguments can go awry (fallacies). So grounded, we will explore the two kinds of reasoning, deduction and induction, learning to identify, evaluate, and employ arguments of both kinds. Having dedicated about a third of our time to arguments and fallacies, about a third of our time will be dedicated to introducing and applying an elementary system of deductive logic. In the remainder of our time, we will explore induction, its everyday instances, its philosophical problems, its uses in scientific domains (including probability theory) and even to explore moral problems (for instance, in questions concerning the moral permissibility of profiling).
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
