This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of modern logic, as well as applications of logic to classic philosophical problems and paradoxes. Many age-old philosophical problems are deceptively simple but are in fact quite complicated, and we can easily get confused. The first step towards rational and independent thinking is to clear away such confusions. Symbolic logic is a powerful set of techniques that are used by modern philosophers to think clearly about these
problems. The core of the class will consist of a sequence where students are introduced first to modern propositional logic, and then to predicate (first order) logic, using a natural deduction style proof system. Along the way, we will discuss some classic paradoxes such as the liar paradox,
Zeno?s paradox, and Russell?s paradox, as well as applications of logic to philosophical problems such as the ontological argument for the existence of God. Students will acquire concepts and techniques for thinking clearly and independently about these problems, and will then be able to apply
them to a wide range of problems, not just in philosophy.
Comments
This is another philosophy module and like all philosophy modules, they do not have finals! The lack of a final will free up your revision and finals week to give you more time to revise for your core modules. It feels great to be over and done with a module by week 13 so this is a great module to take if your semester feels heavy. Unlike the other philosophy modules, this one has no essays, hence, this module is great for those who are not good at writing. This module has 2 assessments, one mid-term quiz and another final quiz in week 13. It also has 5 homework assignments within the semester. Not to worry though, the homework is not too taxing. Think of it as tutorials. Professor Miyake, the prof that teaches this module is also very helpful. So whenever you are stuck with your homework, you can ask him for help. The readings might be a little heavy for the weeks before recess week, around 2 chapters each week. However, after recess week, the content slows down and you only have 1 chapter to read each week.
Programme: PHIL(HSS)
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of modern logic, as well as applications of logic to classic philosophical problems and paradoxes. Many age-old philosophical problems are deceptively simple but are in fact quite complicated, and we can easily get confused. The first step towards rational and independent thinking is to clear away such confusions. Symbolic logic is a powerful set of techniques that are used by modern philosophers to think clearly about these problems. The core of the class will consist of a sequence where students are introduced first to modern propositional logic, and then to predicate (first order) logic, using a natural deduction style proof system. Along the way, we will discuss some classic paradoxes such as the liar paradox, Zeno?s paradox, and Russell?s paradox, as well as applications of logic to philosophical problems such as the ontological argument for the existence of God. Students will acquire concepts and techniques for thinking clearly and independently about these problems, and will then be able to apply them to a wide range of problems, not just in philosophy.