161-115 Logic

Formerly available as 161-015. Students who have completed 161-015 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

This subject is an introduction to the elements of modern formal logic. One of the most important aspects of analysing an argument is the assessment of its validity: whether the premises really do imply the conclusion. Modern formal logic uses symbolic techniques for an analysis of validity, and related notions such as grammatical form and truth. Students of the subject should attain an understanding of the elements of these techniques and their meanings. This is essential for an understanding of many aspects of contemporary philosophy, mathematics, and information processing.

• have learnt to think clearly and precisely;

• be able to detect vagueness and ambiguity;

• be able to articulate implicit assumptions.

Summer: One half-hour quiz 15% (during the teaching period), a take-home examination 45% (at the end of the teaching period), and an assignment 40% (due in March). Semester One: Three half-hour quizzes 47% (during the semester), tutorial participation 3%, and a 2-hour written examination (not open-book) 50% (held at the end of semester).

• Greg Restall, Logic. Routledge 2006.