Intermediate Logic - PHI00096I

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Module summary

This module runs across two terms. In the first term, students are introduced to formal logic: students learn how to construct natural deduction proofs for arguments formalised in Truth-Functional Logic and First-Order Logic; students also learn how to construct counter-interpretations to arguments formalised in First-Order Logic. In the second term, students explore three variations on classical logic: Modal Logic, Second-Order Logic, and Intuitionistic Logic.

Related modules

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module runs across two terms. The aim of the first term is to introduce students to formal logic, in contrast to Reason & Argument which focuses on the logic of natural languages: students learn how to construct natural deduction proofs for arguments formalised in Truth-Functional Logic and First-Order Logic; students also learn how to construct counter-interpretations to arguments formalised in First-Order Logic. In the second term, students explore three variations on classical logic: Modal Logic, Second-Order Logic, and Intuitionistic Logic.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• construct natural deduction proofs to demonstrate that arguments formalised in Truth-Functional Logic, First-Order Logic, Modal Logic, Second-Order Logic, or Intuitionistic Logic are valid,
• construct counter-interpretations to demonstrate that arguments formalised in First-Order Logic or Modal Logic are invalid,
• understand and explain a range of key problems, issues, and debates in the philosophy of logic and express this understanding in clear, precise, and accessible terms,
• develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in the philosophy of logic in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials,
• develop and articulate arguments for the alternative solutions considered in relation to problems and issues in the philosophy of logic, drawing on module materials, identifying some points of weakness and some potential points for development,
• make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem in the philosophy of logic and argue in defence of this judgement,
• identify some of their strengths and weaknesses by evaluating their own work in relation to departmental marking criteria,
• apply simple strategies for improving their work, based on critical reflection, advice, and feedback.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	50
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)	50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	50
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)	50

Module feedback

Feedback on formative exercises will be returned at the immediately following contact point and feedback on the writing task will be returned within 2 weeks of submission, and by the end of term at the latest. Feedback on summative work will be returned within 4 weeks of the assessment deadline.

Indicative reading

Allen & Hand, Logic Primer

Sainsbury, ‘What Logic Should We Think With?’;

Bostock, Intermediate Logic, ch. 8.

Melia, Modality, ch. 2;

Kripke, ‘Semantical Considerations on Modal Logic’

Fine, ‘Vagueness, Truth, and Logic’;

Williamson, ‘Vagueness and Ignorance’

Grice, Studies in the Way of Words, chs. 1-4;

Edgington, ‘Conditionals’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.