PHL2170

Symbolic logic

Lloyd Humberstone

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: First-year sequence in philosophy or at least 12 points of science subjects

Objectives On successful completion of this subject the student should be able to test arguments for validity in propositional and predicate logic, and be able to construct proofs for sequents corresponding to valid arguments in the above areas. The student should show appreciation for the issues that arise in connection with formalising ordinary language.

Synopsis The subject is intended to provide an elementary survey of modern symbolic logic, concentrating on the propositional and predicate logic. Besides developing a basic competence in these systems, the subject provides an introduction to the meta-theory of formal systems and involves some discussion of philosophical problems associated with the application of such systems to informal discourse.

Assessment Students with a satisfactory work record during the course will have the option of assessment based on a `take-home' test instead of a formal examination: 100%

Prescribed texts

Lemmon E J Beginning logic Nelson