Course Syllabus

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Welcome to PHIL 101 Introduction to Logic. In this course, you will learn the basic concepts of logical analysis and how to use them in evaluating arguments, with the help of formal systems of notation. The language and functionality of Logic will be introduced over the semester. No previous knowledge will be assumed. You will learn to represent propositions of English in symbolic notation; and use these to identify logical relationships, test for valid arguments and find counterexamples. Logical notation is used widely in philosophy, computer science and mathematics. This course is a foundation for further study in logic as part of either the Philosophy major or the Logic and Computation major.

PHIL 101 is a Stage I Course for Philosophy (BA major), and for Logic and Computation (BA major and minor, BSc major). It is a 15 pt course with a workload of up to 10 hours / week (twice that in summer). There are no prerequisites.

Staff

Lecturer/Course Director: Jeremy Seligman (j.seligman@auckland.ac.nz)
Office: 206-445 (Arts 1, level 4) Office Hour (time)
Lecturer: Andrew Withy (andrew.withy@auckland.ac.nz)
Office: 206-449 (Arts 1, level 4) Office Hour (time)
Tutors: Isabella McAllister, Darryl Betts
Clinics 302-170 (Science Assistance room time) 
Tuakana: Eric Soakai
Class Reps TBA

Assessment (Tentative)

Coursework: 20%. 
Test: 30%. 
Final Exam: 50%

First Half Coursework + Test(40%):

  • There are 6 weekly exercises worth 5% each.
  • The mid-semester test is worth 30%.
  • The best 2 weekly exercises will count towards your final grade.
  • Plussage: The 3rd, 4th, and 5th best weekly exercises can each replace 5% of your test mark.

Second Half Coursework (10%):

  • There are 5 weekly exercises worth 5% each. 
  • The best 2 weekly exercises will count towards your final grade.
  • Plussage: The final exam can replace your weekly exercise marks.

Final Exam (50%)

  • The final exam is during the exam period and under standard exam conditions.

Grading scale: Final grade cut-offs will be no higher than: 50 for C-; 60 for C; 70 for B-; 75 for B; 80 for B+; 85 for A-; 90 for A; and 95 for A+.

Well-being always comes first

We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information, look at this Canvas page, which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community. Our coursework structure is designed to allow you some flexibility in assessment commitments if you need more time for your own well-being.

Written and Recorded Material

The prescribed course textbook and workbook is Rod Girle's Introduction to Logic. Some copies may be available second-hand through the bookshop. However this textbook will only be used extensively for some parts of the course.

The material will be taught through interactive lectures, and through self-supervised completion of exercises. You are expected to attend all the lectures and take your own notes.

Lecture recordings will be posted on Canvas, for those who have attended lectures or have been sick. However, some elements of the lectures cannot be effectively recorded. You will learn most effectively by using recordings to supplement your in-class learning e.g. for clarifying or revising specific material.

Approximate Course Schedule

(provisional - to be confirmed)

  • Topic 1 – Logic, Truth, Language
  • Topic 2 – The Language of Propositional Logic
  • Topic 3 – Truth Tables
  • Topic 4 – Argument Analysis
  • Topic 5 – Truth Trees
  • Topic 6 – Mid-Semester Test
  • Topic 7 – Splitting the Logical Atom (I):  Singular Terms
  • Topic 8 – Splitting the Logical Atom (II):  Singular and Categorical Propositions
  • Topic 9 – The Search for Truth
  • Topic 10 – General Predicate Logic
  • Topic 11 – Identity and Otherness
  • Topic 12 – Revision

Course Summary:

Date Details Due