philosophy 100.02: an introduction to logic and critical

Philosophy 100.02:An Introduction to Logic and Critical Analysis

Contact InformationProfessor Brandon N. TowlEmail: btowl(a>artsci.wustl.eduPhone:(314)276-6500Office hours: M and W 1-2Office: Wilson Hall rm 109

TA Nicholas BaimaEmail: nichbaima@gmail.comLogic Lab: M and W 7-9(w/ Nazim Keven)

OverviewThe course is an introduction to first-order formal logic. It will cover sentential

logic and predicate logic with identity, a brief incursion into metalogic, and somediscussion of the relationship between logic and rationality.

TextHeil, J. First-Order Logic: A Concise Introduction. Wadsworth.

• Copies of this text are for sale in the Philosophy Department office. The cost is $10,payable by cash or check

• Course readings will be available on Telesis.

What to ExpectThis course presumes no background in logic or philosophy. However, it does make

heavy use of symbol systems and their manipulation (think High School Algebra or Geometry).Anyone intimidated by symbols or proofs will struggle a bit.

The course consist of classes/lectures and "Logic Lab". Classes are held Monday andWednesday 11:30-l :00 in Eads 203. Class time will sometimes be used to review exercises, soit will be assumed that students are keeping up with those exercises during the semester. LogicLab is held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 in Lopata House 11.

A Lab? For Logic?

Yes—sort of. The purpose of logic lab is 1) to administer quizzes and 2) to give you thechance to ask questions and get help from the TAs. Though Logic Lab is held on Monday andWednesday evenings, you need not attend both sessions. Also, you are not required to come at

the start, or stay until the end. The idea is that students can utilize logic lab as much or as littleas they need; the only requirement is that you show up and take the quiz. Quizzes can be taken ateither session on any given week, but you must take a quiz during that week—NO late quizzes.

EvaluationYour final grade will be based on three elements:

I. Quizzes, 30% total. The teaching assistant(s) will administer the quizzes in the weekly logiclab. Quizzes cannot, under any circumstances, be re-scheduled. So if you miss a quiz, for anyreason, you will be awarded a zero. However, at the end of the term your two lowest quiz gradeswill be dropped.

II. Two In-Class Exams 22.5% each, 45% total.

III. Final exam 25%. The final exam is cumulative and will take place on Tuesday, Dec 20th.

Class Policies1) Students suspected of plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty or misconduct

will be reported to the Dean. Sadly, I have had to do this in the past. What happensafterwards is not fun.

2) Quizzes must be taken during the week they are scheduled—No make-up quizzes!

3) Although attendance is taken, it will not factor into your grade (except in rare borderlinecases). You do not have to inform us if you are going to miss a class, BUT:

4) If you miss class or arrive late, you are still responsible for announcement and materialmissed.

5) Students taking to course Pass/Fail must receive a 70 for a "pass" grade.

6) Incompletes and grade changes are awarded only under exceptional circumstances, andonly if arrangements are made ahead of time.