PHIL 1115 - Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning
3 Credits
Gives students an appreciation of logical concepts and methodology. Examines the basic principles of logic and critical thinking in a natural language context. Emphasis on different kinds of arguments, syllogisms, methods of argument evaluation, and the detection of common fallacies as they arise in contexts such as political debate, advertising, science, law, and ethics.
Major Content Areas
Evaluating inductive and deductive reasoning 20% Key concepts: validity and soundness 10% Deductive reasoning: examine distinct deductively valid argument forms 20% Applying logical toolkit to example(s) of extended arguments 10% Inductive reasoning: examples of different types 20% Identifying arguments and reasoning 10% Predicate Logic 10% Fallacies 10%
Learning Outcomes
Examine the meaning and standards of critical evaluations, the attitudes of a critical thinker, and the hindrances to critical thinking Analyze arguments from non-arguments and deductive from inductive arguments Analyze informal fallacies, and the persuasive uses of abuses of language Analyze and evaluate deductive arguments, noting some common valid and invalid forms Identify validity and soundness, strength and cogency, and examine the basic ways of provingvalidity Identify and evaluate inductive reasoning, including common inductive forms such as analogical and causal arguments Apply the various basic patterns of inference to ordinary discourse and evaluate some extended arguments
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) Goals
04 - Mathematical/Logical Reasoning 02 - Critical Thinking
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