PHIL 110 - Practical Logic

Number of Credits: 3
Practical Logic explores the fundamentals of human reasoning with an emphasis on refining students’ skills in critical thinking in everyday situations. In this course, we will examine the elements of rational argument, the role of language and subjective factors in good (and poor) reasoning, and the requirements for cogent argument. Students will strengthen their skills in identifying fallacies in everyday arguments (such as those encountered in conversation, advertising, political campaigns, and media spin), in following a deductive path of inference, and in constructing arguments of their own (Fall & Spring Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate comprehension of the essential terms and elements in the logical analysis of argument. (G5-1, 3) (H6- 1)
Enhance reading and comprehension skills through the use of rigorous analysis of everyday arguments and argument structures. (G-1, 2, 3) (H-1, 2, 4, 5) (M7-3)
Participate in class discussions maintaining a cooperative, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes logical rigor. (G-1, 2, 7) (H-1, 2, 4)
Demonstrate comprehension of essential elements of rational deductive and non-deductive argument and the logical fallacies and identify them in everyday arguments. (G-1, 2, 3) (H-1, 2, 4)
Identify arguments and the logical relationships between their constituent premises and conclusions. (G-2, 3) (H-2, 4) (M-3)
Understand and utilize the Principle of Charity in evaluating arguments. (G-2) (P-1, 4) (M-3)
Evaluate non-deductive arguments for cogency. Construct cogent arguments to support your evaluations. (G-2) (H-1, 2, 4) (M- 3)
Use cogent reasoning to develop your own arguments. (G-2, 3) (H-2, 4, 5) (M-3)
Evaluate deductive arguments for validity and demonstrate the chain of implication in valid deductive arguments. (G-2, 3) (H-2, 4) (M-3)
Develop skills applicable to mathematical reasoning through the practice of deductive systems of logic. (G-2, 3) (H-2, 4) (M-3)