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Reason & Argument A - PHI00005C

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module introduces some key concepts and skills that are widely used in philosophy. We will consider the ways in which formal logic can be applied to understanding and evaluating arguments and claims expressed in everyday language.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

To introduce some key concepts and skills used widely in Philosophy - the module introduces students to formal logic and its application in understanding claims and arguments expressed in everyday language

Module learning outcomes

·Students should have a basic understanding of formal and philosophical logic ·Students should understand the notions of (deductive) validity, truth-functionality, and logical form ·Students should have an understanding of the logical constants ·Students should be able to formalize English sentences which yield to treatment in terms of propositional logic (roughly, the logic of 'and', 'not', 'or', and 'if... then...') ·Students should be able to construct truth-tables for complex propositional formulae and use these to test arguments for validity ·Students should be able to formalize a variety of English sentences into first-order predicate logic with identity (roughly, the logic of 'all', 'some', and 'is the same thing as') ·Students should be able to read and understand the logical notation introduced in the module ·Students should have some understanding of the philosophical issues raised by the application of formal logic to claims and arguments expressed in natural language ·Students should be able to present in essay form a critical evaluation of a theory concerning the logical form of a particular kind of natural language sentence

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 33
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 67

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 33
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 67

Module feedback

Feedback provided on returned summative essay within 4 weeks of submission.

Feedback provided on online exam within 4 weeks of exam taking place.

 

Indicative reading

Ernest LePore Meaning and Argument


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.