Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Introducing logic is an elementary introduction to the study of formal logic. We use logic intuitively whenever we reason, argue, explain something or think critically: we could not survive long without it. Yet our capacities for intuitive reason are flawed: we make mistakes, fail to recognise the implications of our views, and sometimes slip into inferences that seem to us clear and unanswerable yet lead to falsehood. Formal logic is the systematic study of logical inference. It strives to understand the principles underlying valid reasoning, and can improve our abilities to reason effectively in all fields of thought.

Objectives

The overarching aims of the subject are to acquaint the students with key concepts in logic and introduce them to basic syntactic tools and methods of proof used in formal systems. Students successfully completing this unit will:

1. Have mastered the syntax of first order propositional logic and predicate logic.
2. Have mastered a tableaux method of proof in first order propositional logic.
3. Have a basic understanding of proof-methods in first order predicate logic.
4. Have an appreciation of key concepts of validity, deduction, and completeness and soundness of formal systems.

Assessment

Written exercises: 70%
Exam: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Monima Chadha

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Philosophy

Prerequisites

None

Prohibitions

PHL2140

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/philosophy/ugrad/firstyear/phl1140.php