Modern Logic
Professor | Dr K Darcy Otto |
Title | Modern Logic |
Code | CS 2142 |
Credits | 4 |
Term | Summer 2025 |
Times | MR 19h00–21h50 |
Location | Online |
Delivery | Hybrid |
Contact | |
Office Hours | By Appointment |
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.
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.
Final Examination | 100% | Comprehensive |