Course Outline

Description

Formal logic is the study of the structure of reasoning itself—how arguments are built, when they succeed, and why they fail. In an age of information overload, knowing how to dissect an argument, detect reasoning errors, and construct rigorous proofs is a superpower. This course introduces the foundations of formal logic, with an emphasis on precision, clarity, and critical thinking tools. From everyday statements to abstract puzzles, you will learn how to translate ideas into symbolic form and test their validity.

Over the term, you will explore key concepts such as counterexamples and proofs. You will engage with classic paradoxes. You will learn the difference between semantic truth and syntactic rules. No prior experience in mathematics, philosophy, or computer science is required—just a curiosity about how reasoning works at its most fundamental level. By the end of the course, you will be equipped not only to analyze logical arguments but to appreciate the deep structure underlying all rational discourse.

Learning Outcomes

1. Translate ordinary language statements into formal logical expressions using standard symbolic notation.
2. Evaluate the validity of arguments through formal methods such as truth tables, derivations, or counterexamples.
3. Construct step-by-step proofs within a formal system, adhering to precise rules of inference.
4. Reflect on the broader implications of formal reasoning for disciplines such as mathematics, philosophy, and computer science.

An overarching objective of this course is to help you develop as a student of the liberal arts. True students of the liberal arts are able to reflect on the context in which they live, and reason about what it means to live a meaningful and happy life. Thus, they are able to be more than just children of their own time. But this means we must be willing to put our ideas to the test, see our own errors, and develop intellectual courage and humility. It also helps not to take ourselves too seriously.

Readings

• Forbes, Graeme. Modern Logic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994.

Evaluation

• Examinations: The final examination will be written in person, in the fall. There will be a makeup examination one week after the final.

External Links

1. Class Schedule: Current schedule of readings and assignments
2. Electronic Whiteboard: For information sharing during class

Additional Information

1. This course outline is subject to arbitrary change. I shall announce any changes in class; if you are not present, you are still responsible for finding out what I announce.
2. Please consult the college policy on class attendance. You must attend classes regularly and on-time. In accordance with the college’s policy on class attendance, credit will not be given to a student who has more than two weeks’ worth of absences.
3. Please consult the college policy on academic and artistic ethics. The use of artificial intelligence in coursework is not permitted, except as explicitly stated in this outline or allowed by the professor. You must fully cite your use of artificial intelligence if you use it.
4. Office hours are by appointment. If you request an appointment by email, please send me a selection of several times you are available.
5. If you are being graded, your mark in the course will be translated into a letter-grade, according to the following scale: A+ (90–100), A (85–89), A– (80–84), B+ (77–79), B (73–76), B– (70–72), C+ (67–69), C (63–66), C– (60–62), D (50–59), F (0–49). Your grade will not be otherwise curved or adjusted.