Logic and Critical Thinking
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Aim of this course is to develop inferential and argumentative skills. Students will learn to identify and reconstruct arguments, to evaluate them, distinguishing good from bad arguments (fallacies). Furthermore, students will learn to use formal logic tools (elements of propositional and predicate logic) in order to evaluate deductive reasoning, as well as informal logic tools in order to evaluate non deductive reasoning. Finally, they will learn to identify and analyse fallacies occurring in political discourse.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the language of contemporary logic, and the main informal logic devices for the analysis and evaluation of reasoning, in science as well as in public communication. They will know how to symbolize arguments expressed in ordinary language using the tools of propositional and predicative logic, and will know how to apply this knowledge to test the validity of formal arguments. Students will also be able to reconstruct and evaluate informal arguments expressed in ordinary discourse applying a considerable set of argumentation schemes, and taking into account the context of their utterance.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
Critical reasoning is essential not only for science and philosophy, but also for the analysis of political debate. This module will teach the tools and skills that are necessary for analysing and evaluating arguments expressed in scientific essays or in reports of oral debates. The course will thus include theory and practice. We will learn what distinguishes good from bad argument (the general principles of reasoning), but we shall also apply such principles to the analysis and critique of particular arguments taken from scientific and philosophical essays, and from political discourse, in order to learn to apply such criteria to practical examples.
The course will introduce the following topics:
1. What is logic, what is an argument
2. Language and arguments
3. The form of arguments
4. Formal logic: propositional and syllogistic
5. The validity of arguments: deductive standards
6. Argumentation theory: non deductive arguments
7. The theory of fallacies
8. The argumentative analysis of political speeches
The course will introduce the following topics:
1. What is logic, what is an argument
2. Language and arguments
3. The form of arguments
4. Formal logic: propositional and syllogistic
5. The validity of arguments: deductive standards
6. Argumentation theory: non deductive arguments
7. The theory of fallacies
8. The argumentative analysis of political speeches
Prerequisites for admission
Good oral and written understanding of the English language.
Teaching methods
· Frontal lesson
· Practice exercises at home (self-correction), including exam simulations
· Argument analysis during classes
· Practice exercises at home (self-correction), including exam simulations
· Argument analysis during classes
Teaching Resources
· Sinnott-Armstrong, W. and Fogelin, R.J., Understanding Arguments, Concise Edition. Cengage Advantage Books, 2015.
· Lecture's notes and exercises available on ARIEL (at the end of the course).
· Lecture's notes and exercises available on ARIEL (at the end of the course).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning is assessed through a final written exam (computerized multiple choice test lasting 60 minutes and assigning the grade: Pass / Fail).
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Cantu' Paola
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Cantu' Paola