Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
Code PHIL127
Coordinator Dr RJH Davnall
Philosophy
R.Davnall@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to the concepts, language and methods of classical sentential logic. To introduce students to a language of classical quantificational logic.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to explain and apply the basic concepts of classical sentence logic.

(LO2) Students will be able to translate from English into sentence logic and vice versa.

(LO3) Students will be able to construct and use truth tables.

(LO4) Students will be able to construct proofs in natural deduction for sentence logic.

(LO5) Students will be able to translate from English into quantificational logic and vice versa.

(S1) Students will enhance their abilities in reading and understanding texts and in comprehending abstract material.

(S2) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S3) Students will enhance their ability to marshal arguments and present them orally and in writing.

(S4) Students will develop their ability to work independently.

(S5) Students will develop their problem-solving skills.

(S6) Improving own learning and performance; personal action planning.

(S7) Communication; oral, written and visual; listening skills.

(S8) Communication oral, written and visual, following instructions, protocols and procedures.

(S9) Communication oral, written and visual, influencing skills and argumentation.

(S10) Personal attributes and qualities; resilience.


Syllabus

 

Logic and How to Study It
Introducing the Language of Sentence Logic (SL)
SL Syntax
SL Translation
Introducing the Language of Quantificational Logic (QL)
QL Syntax
QL Translation
Truth Tables and their Uses
SL Derivations


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent enquiry-led research. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures through, for example: (i) taking opportunities to ask questions during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent group discussion in workshops.

11 x 1 hour lectures, starting in Week 1.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Workshop
Description: In workshops, students will work as a group, with guidance from the workshop tutor, to solve set problems in formal logic. These provide formative preparation for the summative assessment tasks. There is no workshop in week 6 to allow students time to take assessment 1, and the workshop in week 10 serves as the setting for assessment 2, with no additional teaching content.

9 x 2 hour workshops, sta rting in Week 2.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Delivery model will be FTF on campus or online, as can be accommodated.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

        18

29
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 121
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 – MCQ. Administered online via Canvas. This is an anonymous assessment. There is a resit opportunity  30 minutes (30 quest    30       
Assessment 2 - In-class test. There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  75 minutes    40       
Assessment 3 - Exam (on a take-home basis for 2021-2). There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  60 minutes.    30       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.