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

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Philosophy 32


COURSE DESCRIPTION
32 Introduction to Symbolic Logic
Same as: MAT-Mathematics 32
 Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Limitation on Enrollment: May not be taken if credit for MAT-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:

1.   Define the concept and identify the components of an argument.

2.   Translate English sentences into symbolic ones, and vice versa.

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

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

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

6.   Derive valid conclusions from the premises using equivalences and
      rules of inference.
 
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. 3 ed. any: McGraw Hill, 2005.
  • Bergman, Moor, and Nelson. The Logic Book. 4 ed. any: McGraw Hill, 2004.
  • Copi, Irvin M, Carl Cohen. Introduction to Logic. 12 ed. any: MacMillan, 2004.
  • Johnson, Robert M. . A Logic Book: Fundamentals of Reasoning. any: Thompson-Wadsworth, 2007.
09/06
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