Instructor: Dr. Daniel Skubik, PhD JD MDiv
Voice: 951.343.4288 / Fax: 951.343.4520
Web: http://www.calbaptist.edu/dskubik
E-Mail: dskubik@calbaptist.edu

 

Logic

MAT/PHI 300 (Main Campus)
Tue/Thr, 11:00am - 12:20pm, YC B259

California Baptist University
Fall Semester, 2004

This course is designed as a systematized study of the canons and criteria of validity in thought and its rational expression by considering the processes of reasoning and inference, with applications in propositional logic, natural deduction, predicate logic and induction.

By the end of the semester, students should grasp the fundamentals of formal reasoning, understand and demonstrate the use of sentential and predicate logics, know how to identify, formalize and analyze the presence or absence of logically formulated discourse in snippets of academic and everyday discourse, and be able to craft formally valid and so truth-preserving discourse with the instructor and classmates in oral and written assignments.

 

Required Text

Paul Tidman & Howard Kahane, Logic and Philosophy: A Modern Introduction 9th edition (Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003)

Copies are available through the CBU Bookstore, and are also available through Internet shops such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

[Suggested Supplemental Reading – Graham Priest, Logic: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2000)]

Web pages will likewise be referenced throughout the term, contents of which you also will be responsible. (See e.g. Wadsworth Philosophy Shoppe for links to additional student resources.)

 

 

Class Readings & Discussion Schedule

  Week #1
  (Sep 9)

Introduction to course: scope, methods, procedures, expectations
Introduction to logic & associated websites (incl. errata sheets)

  Week #2
  (Sep 14/16)

Ch. 2     Symbolizing in Sentential Logic

  Week #3
  (Sep 21/23)

Web and email discussions only
No face-to-face class meetings          Excursus: Discuss Ch. 14  Syllogistic Logic

  Week #4
  (Sep 28/30)

Ch. 3     Truth Tables
    

  Week #5
  (Oct 5/7)

Ch. 4     Proofs
   
7th  – (time change due to Missions Conference)

  Week #6
  (Oct 12/14)

Ch. 5     Conditional & Indirect Proofs           

  Week #7
  (Oct 19/21)

Ch. 7     Predicate Logic Symbolization         

  Week #8
  (Oct 26/28)

Review (26th)
Midterm exam (28th)     Ch. 1-5 & 14

  Week #9
  (Nov 2/4)

Ch. 8     Predicate Logic Semantics

  Weeks #10
  (Nov 9/11)

Ch. 9     Predicate Logic Proofs       

  Week #11
  (Nov 16/18)

Web and email discussions only
No face-to-face class meetings          Excursus: Discuss Ch. 16   Inductive Logic

  Week # 12
  (Nov 23/25)

23 – Excursus: Discuss Ch. 18   Alternative Logics
25 – Thanksgiving Break begins on the 24th

  Week #13
  (Nov 30/Dec 2)

Ch. 10     Relational Predicate Logic
    

  Week #14
  (Dec 7/9)

Review Sessions in preparation for Final Exam
Ch. 7-10, 16 & 18

  Final Exam
  (Dec 16)


Final Exam, Thursday, Dec 16, 8:00-10:00am

 


Caveat

This syllabus is composed in good faith, with a schedule of readings, assignments and discussions that will guide us throughout the term. Still, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this schedule as necessary for the overall enterprise of the course. Any changes will be communicated as far in advance as feasible, and you are responsible for knowing if and when any changes have been made.

Assessment & Grading Scale

Homework = 30%

90 - 100 = A range (90-94 = A-)

Midterm Examination = 30%

80 - 89 = B range (80-83 = B- / 87-89 = B+)

Final Examination = 30%

70 - 79 = C range (70-73 = C- / 77-79 = C+)

Participation on Web = 10%

60 - 69 = D range (60-63 = D- / 67-69 = D+)

 

0 - 59 = F

 

Homework

Homework is worth 30% of your final grade. Each set of homework assignments should be completed per the syllabus calendar, in time for discussion during the assigned class period. Late homework is accepted up to one week (7 days) after it is covered in class, but can earn only up to half-credit maximum.

 

Midterm Examination

There will be a midterm examination, as noted in the schedule, comprising 30% of your final grade for the course. The exam will cover all the topics nominated from the beginning of the semester. The exam is closed book, closed notes.

 

Final Examination

There will be a final examination, as noted in the schedule, comprising 30% of your final grade for the course. The exam is cumulative, though the principal focus of the questions will be on post-midterm materials. The exam is closed book, closed notes. 

 

Participation on Web

During the two weeks we will not be meeting face-to-face, you are expected to read and discuss the assigned chapters online. We will use the Jenzabar system if it is operational, or a designated alternative site as necessary. Active web participation will constitute 10% of your final grade: 5% for each week’s chapter. “Active” means reading others’ contributions and submitting your own thoughts and replies at least 3 times during each of the nominated weeks.

 

Make-Ups

Midterm Examination -- you must arrange a make-up with me before the examination is given, not after. No exceptions.

Final Examination -- no make-ups will be arranged for the final exam. No exceptions.