Logic | PHIL2014 | University of Southampton

Module overview

Ever since Aristotle, philosophers have been interested in developing formal systems of logic to refine our ability to distinguish valid from invalid arguments and to further our understanding of the nature of logic and validity. The aim of this module is to introduce students to some advanced techniques of logic and formal systems.

The first part of the module is concerned with the logic and meta-logic of First Order Logic. If it’s not snowing, does it follow that if it’s snowing then I’m a monkey’s uncle? If all unicorns are wise, does it follow that there are unicorns?

The second part of the module will be devoted to more advanced logical systems, such as Modal Logic. If it is obligatory to save all innocent children, does it follow that we actually save them? Could 2+2 make 5?

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

employ the techniques of formal logic in formulating and evaluating your arguments and those others advance.
relate the issues this module concerns to issues in other areas of study.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the methods of First Order Logic, including translating arguments into symbolic notation, constructing formal derivations, and evaluating formal arguments.
methods of some more advanced logical systems, such as Modal Logic, including translating arguments into symbolic notation, constructing formal derivations, and evaluating formal arguments.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

identify, analyse and assess arguments.
present your reasoning and the reasoning of others in a perspicuous and rigorous fashion.

Syllabus

The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics covered may include:

1. First Order Logic: connectives and quantifiers

2. Validity in First Order Logic: semantic tableaux

3. The fundamental notions in meta-logic: soundness and completeness

4. The soundness and completeness of First Order Logic

5. Modal Propositional logic: connectives and modal operators

6. Validity in Modal Propositional Logic: semantic validity proofs and counter-models

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

Lectures
In-class exercises
One to one consultation with the module coordinator

Learning activities include:

Attending lectures
Doing exercises in class
Preparing for and completing the assessment tasks

Study time
Type	Hours
Preparation for scheduled sessions	24
Wider reading or practice	24
Lecture	33
Follow-up work	24
Revision	23
Completion of assessment task	22
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Blackboard.

Textbooks

Theodore Sider. Logic for Philosophy. Oxford University Press.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Test Assignment Exercises and Quizzes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Test	40%
Assignment	40%
Exercise	20%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Test	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Test	40%
Assignment	40%
Exercise	20%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External