WELCOME TO  PHIL1009

• course Title: Logic and Critical Thinking

• course code: phil1009

• credit hours: 3CrHrs

• Course prerequisite: None

• NAME: Mohammed Zeinu

• EMAIL: mohammed.zeinu@aastu.edu.et

• BLOCK - 80  OFFICE#5

• TELEGRAM:  telegram the instructor

Logic and Critical Thinking is an inquiry that focuses on the examination of arguments as its primary subject of investigation. Logic, in particular, is dedicated to the study of arguments and aims to establish the criteria under which an argument can be deemed acceptable or good. On the other hand, critical thinking is an active practice, a cognitive habit, and a mode of perception and reasoning that relies on the principles of logic. It dynamically engages various reasoning skills that should form the foundation of our approach to issues and events in life. 

Engaging in critical thinking means carefully examining ideas, evaluating them in light of your existing knowledge, and making informed decisions about their worth. The objective of the logic and critical thinking course is to foster an "objective" stance. When thinking critically, you thoroughly consider all perspectives of an argument and assess its validity, strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, critical thinking skills involve actively seeking out all sides of an argument, evaluating the soundness of the claims put forth, and scrutinizing the evidence used to support those claims.

This course endeavors to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of logic and the methods of logical reasoning. Its primary objective is to equip students with essential skills for analyzing, evaluating, and constructing arguments. By honing these skills, students will enhance their ability to apply critical thinking in their thinking processes and written expression.

Throughout the course, students will delve into the principles of logic, studying different argument forms, identifying fallacies in reasoning, and learning to construct well-reasoned arguments themselves. By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in logical analysis and developed the capacity to apply their critical thinking skills effectively in both their academic pursuits and everyday life.

By actively engaging with the material and participating in discussions, students will cultivate intellectual curiosity and refine their ability to think critically and express their thoughts in a clear, logical manner. The logic and critical thinking course aims to empower students with invaluable skills that will serve them well in their academic endeavors and beyond.

By the conclusion of the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

1. Comprehend the interconnection between logic and philosophy: Students will grasp the intricate relationship between logic and the broader field of philosophy. They will understand how logic serves as a foundational tool for philosophical inquiry.

2. Identify key branches of philosophy: Students will become familiar with the central areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. They will recognize the significance of these fields in shaping our understanding of the world and human existence.

3. Recognize the importance of studying logic and philosophy: Students will gain an appreciation for the necessity of learning logic and philosophy. They will understand how these disciplines contribute to critical thinking, intellectual growth, and a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

4. Understand fundamental logical concepts and arguments: Students will acquire a solid understanding of basic logical concepts, such as premises, conclusions, validity, and soundness. They will be able to identify and analyze different types of arguments, distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning.

5. Identify fallacies in communication: Students will develop the ability to identify fallacies committed in both spoken and written communication. They will recognize common errors in reasoning and effectively critique flawed arguments.

6. Cultivate linguistic precision: Students will develop a heightened sensitivity to the importance of clear and accurate language use. They will refine their skills in constructing well-formed arguments and expressing their thoughts with clarity and precision.

7. Construct sound arguments and evaluate arguments: Students will develop the necessary skills to construct sound arguments, employing logical principles and valid reasoning. They will also refine their ability to evaluate the strength and cogency of arguments, assessing the quality of evidence and reasoning presented.

Chapter One: Logic and Philosophy 

• Introduction. 

• Meaning and Definition of philosophy 

• Core Branches of Philosophy. 

• Importance of Learning Logic and Philosophy 

Chapter Two: Basic Concepts of Logic 

• Introduction 

• Basic Concepts of Logic 

• Techniques of recognizing arguments. 

• Types of Arguments 

  • • Deductive Arguments 

    • Inductive Arguments 

• Evaluation of Arguments 

• Evaluating Deductive Argument 

•  Evaluating Inductive Arguments 

Chapter Three: Logic and Language 

• Introduction 

• Logic and Meaning 

  • Cognitive and Emotive Meaning of Words 

  • Intensional and Extensional Meaning of Terms 

• Logic and Definition 

  • Types and Purposes of Definition 

  • Techniques of Definition 

    • Extensional Techniques of Definition 

    • Intensional Techniques of Definition 

• Criteria for Lexical Definitions 

Chapter Four: Basic Concepts of Critical Thinking 

• Introduction 

• Meaning and Definition of Critical Thinking. 

• Principles of Critical Thinking

• Criterion/Standard of Argument Good Argument. 

• Factors Affecting Critical Thinking. 

• Relevance of Critical Thinking

Chapter Five: Logical Reasoning and Fallacies 

• Introduction

• Types of Fallacies: Formal and Informal 

• Categories of Informal Fallacies 

  • Fallacies of Relevance 

  • Fallacies of Weak Induction 

  • Fallacies of Presumption 

  • Fallacies of Ambiguity 

  • Fallacies of Grammatical Analogy 

Chapter Six: Categorical Propositions 

• Introduction 

• Categorical Propositions 

  • The Components of Categorical Propositions 

  • Attributes of Categorical Propositions: Quality, Quantity, and Distribution 

  • Representing Categorical Propositions 

    • Venn Diagrams 

    • Boolean and Aristotelian Square of Oppositions 

• Evaluating Immediate Inferences: Venn Diagrams and Square of Oppositions 

• Logical Operations: Conversion, Obversion, and Contraposition 

The course will be delivered through various modes to ensure an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. The modes of delivery include:

1. Lectures: Lectures will be conducted to present key concepts, theories, and frameworks. Through lectures, you will receive in-depth explanations and demonstrations of important topics related to logic and critical thinking.

2. Group Discussions: Group discussions will provide opportunities for active engagement and collaboration among students. These sessions will encourage the exchange of ideas, critical analysis of arguments, and the exploration of different perspectives on course material.

3. Peer-Learning: Peer-learning activities will be incorporated to foster a supportive and interactive learning environment. You will have the chance to work collaboratively with your peers, engage in peer reviews, and participate in group exercises that promote active learning and knowledge sharing.

4. Self-Reading: Independent reading will help you to supplement the in-class sessions. These readings will allow you to explore additional resources, delve deeper into specific topics, and broaden your understanding of the subject at your own pace.

5. Debates (presentation): Debates will be organized to enhance your ability to construct and defend arguments. Engaging in debates will sharpen your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to present logical and well-supported viewpoints.

Attendance 

Students are expected to attend every class. Absences from class will be a cause for concern on my part, and they should be for you as well. Not attending class only hinders your own progress. If you are absent, you cannot participate. Attendance will be marked based on the following criteria:

• Those who come on time and actively participate will receive a score of 5/5.

• Those who come on time but do not participate will receive a score of 4/5.

• Those who come late but still participate will receive a score of 3/5.

• Those who provide a valid excuse for their absence will receive a score of 3/5.

• Those who come late and do not participate will receive a score of 2/5.

• Absentees will receive a score of 0/5.

Communications

The official means of communication include e-mail, Canvas messaging, and in-class announcements. Missing class or failing to read your announcement is no excuse.

This is college, and while you are here, your coursework is your job. You should behave as you would in a professional environment. When in doubt about how you should speak, write, or act, always err on the side of formality, even in e-mail. Any email you send to me (or any professor) should sound like a formal letter, not a text message or a demand from customer service. Here is some resource on how to write email. 

Returning Your Work

I will not chase you down to return your work. If you do not return your work by its due date, you will forfeit a considerable amount of marks from the test or assignment you have failed to submit on time.

Assignment Writing

I do not expect you to write perfectly, but I do insist that you respect writing and produce good ideas and polished prose. Everything you hand in must be proofread for spelling as well as for errors in usage and mechanics. Anything less will be penalized. There is more on this topic later in the rubrics of the assignments.

Handwritten work will not be accepted unless it is from an in-class test. All submitted material must be typed or electronically composed. Learn to master MS Office and related writing software. Learn to produce PDFs. Neatness counts in life, especially in this class.

Discussion and Participation

Our class cannot function if there is no student participation. Therefore, a percentage of your final grade will reflect the quantity and quality of your participation in class. However, I am more concerned about creating an in-class environment in which all students feel completely free to express their thoughts, ask questions, object, criticize, request clarifications, return to a previous subject, respond to someone else's response, etc. Clinically shy students or those whose best, most pressing questions and comments occur to them only in private may engage in discussions with me outside of class.

With that in mind, anyone can ask any question about any class-related issues that they want. There are, with few exceptions, no stupid questions. In fact, you are forbidden from refraining from asking a question or making a comment because you fear it will sound obvious, unsophisticated, lame, or stupid. I am deadly serious about creating a classroom environment where everyone feels free to ask or speak about anything they wish. The best learning happens in a relaxed environment.

Due Dates

All assignments and tests in the Canvas must be handed in on the day they are due. Failing to submit the work will have its own negative repercussions.

Late Submissions

Late submissions will not be accepted. Three-fourths of the next submission will be considered if the student can provide reasonable and tangible evidence for failing to submit the previous one.

Academic Honesty

As part of this class, I will uphold and vigorously enforce the general policies of this institution on academic honesty and plagiarism. All examinations, papers, and homework assignments are subject to the usual standards of academic honesty as described in the AASTU Senate Legislation of 2017. All work must be your own. Period. End of story. This applies to homework, tests, quizzes, assignments, anything and everything you do for this class. You are free to use reference material as a guide or for inspiration, but you must cite all your sources and make the proper references in your work. Furthermore, you may not, under any circumstances, copy even the smallest part of those materials and present it as your own work. Any violation of this policy will result in immediate dismissal from the class with a failing grade. There will be no second chances.

Furthermore, I expect you, my students, to behave in a manner appropriate for CRITICAL THINKERS! Professional ethics demand that you embrace traditional "thou shall not cheat" behaviors.

Remember: Allowing someone to copy your ONLINE TESTS is every bit as dishonest as copying someone else's.

 Safety and Securities

Report all emergencies or suspicious activity or persons to the office of the social science department:

• Block-80

• Office number-117

• Email: socialsciences@aastu.edu.et

• website: https://dev-cnssdss.pantheonsite.io/