Phil 120

PHIL 120: Symbolic Logic I
Instructor: Nicholas Ferenz

Symbolic logic aims to capture correct reasoning using rigorous, formal systems. The formalized analog of correct reasoning is a logically correct, or valid argument. Philosophy 120, Symbolic Logic I, is an introduction to classical first-order logic (FOL), which is a simple and easy to learn logic. FOL also serves as a foundation on which many other logics are built. In this course, we will use truth tables, interpretations and natural deduction to approachthe concept of validity. These formal approaches will be connected to ordinary reasoning, and we will formalize English sentences and arguments using the language of FOL.
FOL has a history of over 100 years, and has applications in many areas, for example, in philosophy, computer science, mathematics, and artificial intelligence. Other logics, such as modal, substructural, relevant, dynamic, quantum, or higher-order logics, often build upon the concepts of FOL, and an enduring understanding of FOL will be beneficial when studying or applying these logics. Experimental evidence shows that studying formal logic improves the learner’s everyday informal reasoning skills too.

For a textbook, the course will use the free and open source Forallx Calgary: An Introduction to Formal Logic (P.D. Magnus and Tim Button, with additions by J. Robert Loftis and Robert Trueman remixed and revised by Aaron Thomas-Bolduc and Richard Zach)

Time: Mondays 6:00pm – 9:00pm
For further information, please contact the instructor at ferenz@ualberta.ca
The (official) course outline is available in the e-classroom during the course.