Introduction to Logic

Society often values majority opinion and personal attacks over solid argumentation. This course explores logic, the science of reasoning, and will teach you how to evaluate arguments using informal logic,the analysis of language-based arguments,and formal logic,the analysis and validation of arguments by means of symbolic notation. You'll learn how to produce valid arguments and differentiate valid from fallacious reasoning. Then you'll apply these skills while reading texts ranging from Plato's writings about the trial and death of Socrates, to modern political speeches and current-events blogs. You and your classmates will participate in discussions, work problem sets, write proofs, and construct arguments around current topics in both philosophy and modern society, substantially strengthening your analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Note: While this is a humanities class, students are asked to use symbolic notation and write proofs, much like they do in math classes.

Typical Class Size: 16