A basic introduction to logic and critical reasoning. Topics covered include the analysis of arguments and resolution of ambiguities; the study of fallacies; deductive validity and inductive strength of arguments; elementary classical propositional logic (syntax, semantics, proof theory); Aristotelian/Term logic; intro to non-classical logics (relevance, modal, many-valued logics), scientific reasoning, and issues in the philosophy of logic.
Required Text: J. Woods, A. Irvine and D. Walton, Argument: Critical Thinking, Logic and the Fallacies, 2nd ed., Pearson Canada, 2004.
Evaluation: 10 small group online discussions (worth 20% of the final grade), 9 online quizzes – one for each course module (40%), and a cumulative online final exam (40%).
COVID-19 notice: This course is designed to accommodate students who might not be physically situated in Vancouver. All activities are online, including the remotely proctored final exam.