Logic

Course Details

Course Number: PHIL1533 Section Number: 201

Spring 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 177

Days & Times:

mwf 9:00-9:50

Course Attachments

Syllabus PHIL1533Spring2011-20120313-124302.docx

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. Mark Farris
view Profile »

Course Objectives

This course provides an introduction to logic, the science of reasoning. Students will learn to recognize, analyze, evaluate, and compose arguments, which are primary objects of study for both the logician and, more generally, the critical thinker. We will investigate a variety of the many forms arguments take, addressing both formal and informal methods of argumentation and distinguishing between good arguments and bad arguments. In our study of formal logic, we will focus upon the methods of syllogism, the Aristotelian square of opposition, propositional logic, and basic predicate logic. Our study of informal logic will address the strengths and weaknesses of arguments as they occur in ordinary, nontechnical writing and speech, with particular emphasis on the informal fallacies. The main objectives of the course are as follows:

To help students learn and implement basic logical reasoning skills.
To help students recognize, analyze, evaluate, and compose arguments in both formal and informal contexts.
To help students acquire familiarity with basic concepts of informal logic, including logical fallacies.
To help students acquire familiarity with basic concepts of classical logic, including syllogisms, the Aristotelian square of opposition, and Venn diagrams.
To help students appreciate the relevance of logical reasoning in public and private life.

Course Expectations

REQUIRED TEXT: A Concise Introduction to Logic, ed. Patrick Hurley, 10^th Edition (Wadsworth, 2008)

EVALUATION:

Best 12 of approximately 18 quizzes (10-points each) : 120 points
Two mid-term exams (100 points each) : 200 points
One comprehensive final examination: 200 points
Attendance & class participation: 80 points

Total points possible: 600.

EXAM SCHEDULE:

Exam 1, Wednesday, Feb. 16
Exam 2, Wednesday, Apr. 20
Final, Monday, May 9, 8:00AM-10:00AM

If you need to miss an exam, you should notify me before the exam is given. If you miss an exam due to an unforeseen situation, such as an accident, you should notify me as soon as possible. No allowances will be made for missed exams unless an adequate reason is given in a timely fashion.

Grading Standards

See course requirements

Final Exam5/9/2011 8:00am

Submission Format Policy

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Please come to class and please show up on time. By enrolling in this course you have made 44 Doctors appointments with Dr. Farris. If you need to miss any of these, you should notify me in writing in a timely fashion. Your “Attendance & class participation” grade depends primarily on this. Any student with more than 4 unreported or frivolous absences who is not maintaining a passing average is subject to being dropped from the course.

Other Policies

Cell phones or other electronic devices should only be used with advanced permission of the instructor.

All students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policies related to class attendance, academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, rights and activities.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.