Logic and Paradox - PHI00121I
Module summary
In this module, we will explore a variety of philosophical and logical paradoxes, and the discoveries that their solutions can lead to.
Related modules
Elective Pre-Requisites
These pre-requisites only apply to students taking this module as an elective.
Pre-requisite - must have taken PHI00005C Reason & Argument module
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
Subject content
-
To investigate some of the most important paradoxes in logic and metaphysics.
-
To explore the new perspectives on a variety of philosophical topics provided by the solutions to these paradoxes.
-
To study some of the recent developments in logic, by evaluating non-classical solutions to logical paradoxes.
Academic and graduate skills
-
To develop students’ formal logical skills, by studying the strengths and weaknesses of various non-classical logics.
-
To develop students’ philosophical logical skills, by evaluating various solutions to paradoxes.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to …
-
present and explain a variety of paradoxes.
-
present and evaluate a variety of solutions to these paradoxes.
-
make use of a variety of non-classical logics, and make informed judgments about their strengths and weaknesses.
-
engage in critical but supportive discussions with peers about the module material.
-
articulate and defend informed opinions about the module material in an extended piece of writing.
Module content
A paradox is an apparently convincing argument for an apparently absurd conclusion. Studying paradoxes is important, because they reveal deep confusions in our understanding of things, and solving a paradox often involves making a huge intellectual leap forward.
We will study paradoxes such as: Zeno’s Paradoxes; Newcomb’s Paradox; the Sorites Paradox; and the Liar Paradox. We will examine a range of solutions to these paradoxes, including solutions which appeal to non-classical logics. In particular, we will discuss solutions to the Sorites and Liar Paradoxes which reject the classical principle that every sentence is either true or false but not both: we will discuss the supervaluationist solution to the Sorites Paradox, which asserts that some sentences are neither true nor false; and we will discuss the dialetheist solution to the Liar Paradox, which asserts that some sentences are both true and false.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Formative Assessments
750-word essay due on Monday Week 5, Semester 1
Essay plan due on Wednesday Week 11, Semester 1
Summative Assessment
3,000-word essay in Semester 1 Assessment Period
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Summative assessment feedback will be returned within current guidelines for turnaround.
Indicative reading
Sainsbury, Paradoxes
Williamson, Vagueness
Keefe, Theories of Vagueness
Priest, In Contradiction