PHIL 1120 - Symbolic Logic
3 Credits
Uses propositional and predicate calculus to study deductive reasoning via the symbolic languages of propositional and predicate logic. Examines basic logical concepts (validity, logical truth, contradiction, entailment, equivalence), the symbolization of arguments expressed in natural language, and evaluates them via truth tables, formal proofs, or truth trees. This course is ideal for students interested in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or in pursuing further studies in philosophy.
Major Content Areas
Truth Tables: construction and use to demonstrate logical properties of sentences and the relations between sentences as well as a test for validity/invalidity 15% Predicate Logic 10% Basic Concepts, including deductive validity, invalidity, soundness, logical truth, contradiction, entailment, logical equivalence 20% Formal Proofs or Truth Trees: construction and use to demonstrate logical properties of sentences and their relations, including as proof of validity 30% Symbolization of natural language into symbolic logic 25%
Learning Outcomes
Identify and apply contemporary logical systems, including standard propositional logic Use an artificial language to model the logical form of natural language sentences Use truth tables to model logical relationships amongst declarative sentences Analyze and evaluate deductive arguments, noting some common valid and invalid forms Identify and distinguish validity and soundness Explain what constitutes a deductively valid argument; construct various forms of proof of validity (truth tables, formal proofs or truth trees) and explain why those constitute proofs of validity Understand and apply higher-order problem solving techniques used to construct formal proofs or truth trees 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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