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:
- relate the issues this module concerns to issues in other areas of study.
- employ the techniques of formal logic in formulating and evaluating your arguments and those others advance.
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
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 24 |
| Lecture | 33 |
| Completion of assessment task | 22 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Revision | 23 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Blackboard.
Textbooks
Theodore Sider. Logic for Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Formative
Formative assessment description
Exercises and QuizzesSummative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exercises and Quizzes | 20% |
| Timed Assignment | 40% |
| Timed Assignment | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External