Math 4321

Course Description


This is a xxcx first course in logic and is intended for mathematics students. The content is that of a traditional course in symbolic logic from truth tables through multi-variable predicates.

The course is a varient of what has recently come to be described as a "flipped" class. The presentation of the content is external to the class while class time is devoted to discussion of student difficulties and assigned problems. The basic presentation of the content will come from the text which is a classic in the field.

The course will utilize short lectures by the instructor, group discussion, and individual questions. Students are expected to read the relevant portions of the text both prior to the initial class discussion and again after the introduction. They should identify and ask questions on any part of the text which is not clear.

This class often proves to be very time consuming. Students should expect to spend from 10-12 hours per week outside of class. To a great extent the scheduling of the time is up to you although it can take more time to catch up than to keep up. If you need aditional help make sure to see me before or after class. Study groups are encouraged since they have proven to be highly productive in the past. Additional help is available from the Math Center on the second floor of the Bayou building.

Homework on each area is assigned on the class when content is introduced and for two sessions thereafter. This should allow students to work on fresh problems after initial questions have been answered.

Students should keep a notebook of homework problems both to study from and to turn in during the final exam. The arrangement should probably follow the text location rather than the order of assignment. I have prepared a fairly complete set of answers which is available and will be distributed.


Text

Irving M. Copi

Symbolic Logic - Fifth Edition

Pearson

ISBN 978-0-0-2324980-8


Grade Process

Midterm Test 25%
Final Exam 40%
Quizes 10%
Paper 15%
Homework 10%


Course Objectives

Students should develop and exhibit the following skills:
  • Translate english language statements into symbolic representation with propositions.
  • Translate english language statements into symbolic representation with predicates.
  • Translate english language statements into symbolic representation with relations.
  • Prove propositional arguments using the basic 19 rules.
  • Prove propositional arguments using conditional arguments.
  • Prove propositional arguments using indirect proof.
  • Find and exhibit counterexamples for invalid propositional arguments.
  • Find and exhibit counterexamples for invalid predicate arguments.
  • Prove predicate arguments using the introductory quantification rules.
  • Prove predicate arguments using the final quantification rules.
  • Prove relational arguments using the final quantification rules.
  • Prove or disprove propositional arguments.
  • Prove or disprove predicate arguments including multivariable predicates.
Refer to the text for definitions of terms.

Students should pay attention to the following links.

Grade Standards

Academic Honesty


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This page updated by Frank Matthews Jan. 18, 2020