| Unit name | Philosophical Logic |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL20060 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Johannes Stern |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
The unit aims to deepen the understanding of logic and to explore the use and application of logic in philosophy and its limitations. We will introduce and reflect on metatheoretical notions such as proof and truth, and investigate how they are connected. For example, what do we learn from the completeness theorems which state that logical proof and logical truth coincide? Extension of classical logic such as modal and epistemic logic are introduced. These logics are employed in philosophical debates. For example, modal logic has been used to “prove” that names are rigid designators, or that all beings exist necessarily. To assess such arguments it is important to understand the logical tools that are employed and the unit aims to provide such an understanding. We will also discuss so-called nonclassical logics, e.g., logics that omit the law of excluded middle, as these logics are frequently discussed (and used) by philosophers.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit makes a key contribution to all philosophy programs by (i) further developing student competency in formal logic and critical and analytic reasoning, (ii) deepening student knowledge and understanding of the connections between philosophy and other disciplines and the relevance of philosophy for the latter, (iii) further widening the range of advanced topics students can study at levels I and H. [Program ILOs 2-3, 5-7] The focus of the unit will be particularly relevant to students on Philosophy &Mathematics Joint Honors as it brings together material, issues, and techniques, from both sides of the degrees.
An overview of content
Key results concerning formal logic, their philosophical significance, and the key applications of formal logic in philosophy.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit, what you know, how you think and what you can do.
Students will have an increased understanding of the connections between logic, philosophy, and mathematics. Students will also have an increased facility in the technicals skills central to analytic philosophy and a correspondingly enhanced ability to think critically and analytically.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Describe the scope, benefits, and limitations of applications of logic in philosophy.
2. Outline different logical systems and the rationale for adopting them.
3. Understand key results in logic such as the completeness theorems and explain their philosophical significance
4. Employ logical tools and systems in philosophical reasoning.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work together collaboratively with others to explain technical material in a manner accessible to a wider audience
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
(I) Regular Problem Sets to give students familiarity with the technical aspects of material and allow them to acquire the relevant technical skills. (0%, Not Required for credit) [ILOs 3,4]
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted)
(II) Short collaborative report explaining a key issue / material from the unit. (0%, required for credit) [ILOs 1-3,5]
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
3-hour unseen exam [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan:
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL20060).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
