Discipline: Mathematics
PHI-Philosophy
Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Mathematics 32


COURSE DESCRIPTION

32 Introduction to Symbolic Logic
Same as: PHI-Philosophy 32
Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Limitation on Enrollment: May not be taken if credit for Philosophy 32 has been granted.
Introduces the principles of deductive reasoning, including the practical application of modern symbolic techniques. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE

Principles of deductive reasoning applying modern symbolic techniques.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Define the concept and identify the components of an argument.

  1. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts

Translate English sentences into symbolic ones, and vice versa.

  1. Critical Thinking - Consider and evaluate rival hypotheses
  2. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts
  3. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts

Define the concepts of validity and soundness and distinguish between them.

  1. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts

Present arguments in argument form and determine whether they are valid and sound.

  1. Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of others
  2. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts

Construct symbolizations of arguments and determine their validity using truth value analysis.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of others
  3. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts
  4. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
  5. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

Derive valid conclusions from the premises using equivalences and rules of inference 

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments of others
  3. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific contexts
  4. Application of Knowledge - Maintain and transfer academic and technical skills to workplace
 
COURSE CONTENT

  TOPICS
 
  1. The nature of arguments and proofs: induction verses deduction.
  2. Validity and soundness
  3. Categorical logic
  4. Venn diagrams
  5. Sentential logic
  6. Truth-value analysis of sentences and arguments
  7. An introduction to one or more of the following: predicate logic, modal logic, or fuzzy logic.

 

 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures/discussions/demonstrations in order to familiarize students with the elements of formal reasoning.
  • Create small group activities in order to provide an opportunity for students to practice skills of formal reasoning with group interaction and support.
  • Develop and assign class exercises that build formal reasoning skills.
  • Design class handouts to demonstrate logical principles for both visual and verbal learning styles.
  • Show videos/films/computer programs that demonstrate or perform logical operations.
  • Conduct individual conferences in order to identify strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
  • Develop and assign web-enhanced/online/distance learning tasks such as further reading and the investigation of logic websites to deepen understanding of formal reasoning.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral reports/presentations aimed to demonstrate knowledge of logical principles.
  • Quizzes and examinations designed to evaluate ability to define key concepts, translate statements into symbolic form, and to present, evaluate and formulate arguments.
  • Written assignments designed to assess progress in ability to define key concepts, translate statements into symbolic form, and present, evaluate and formulate arguments.
  • Group and individual projects designed to demonstrate ability to solve problems in formal reasoning cooperatively with others and to appreciate different approaches to solving such problems.
  • Final examination
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments

 
COURSE MATERIALS
All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Layman, C. S. . The Power of Logic. 3rd ed. McGraw Hill, 2005.
  • Bergman, Moor, and Nelson. The Logic Book. 4th ed. McGraw Hill, 2004.
  • Copi, Irvin M, Carl Cohen. Introduction to Logic. 12th ed. MacMillan, 2004.
  • Johnson, Robert M. . A Logic Book: Fundamentals of Reasoning. Thompson-Wadsworth, 2007.
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