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Reason & Argument B - PHI00006C

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 10 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.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

To introduce key concepts and skills widely used in Philosophy, the module looks at ways in which formal logic can be applied to the understanding and evaluation of arguments and claims 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

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Feedback given within 4 weeks following the exam

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.