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PHIL 110-01 LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING
Spring 2015 Schedule of Activities
Professor: Dr. Renée Smith
Office Hours: EHFA 282: Tue/Thu 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Mon/Wed by appointment
Office Phone: 349-2083 (Don’t call me; email me!)
Class: TTh 12:15-1:30 PM in SCI 207
Email: rsmith@coastal.edu
Webpage: https://sites.google.com/site/doctorenee/
Homework: http://aplia.com
Access Code: E7LD-QDX9-TBQ3
Course Description & Format:
This course introduces the essential elements of critical thinking and logic, including the recognition and evaluation of arguments, identification of linguistic fallacies, and propositional logic for deductive arguments (translations and proofs).
Logic is the science of reasoning. To reason is to give support for a claim or to give an argument. Thus, logic is the science of arguments. Arguments serve an essential role—they are the means of discovering what is true, which is the central task of philosophy. Others use arguments to convince you that something is true; however, we should only be convinced if the arguments are good. Logic will help us sort the good from the bad arguments. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly, analytically, rationally, and objectively. It is the ability to apply the rules of logic, to recognize errors in reasoning, such as inconsistencies and fallacies, to seek solutions to problems, and to distinguish fact from opinion.
Basic concepts will be introduced via lecture and discussion and practiced/applied in group and individual exercises in class. Students will complete assigned reading, practice exercises and online homework sets outside of class and take in-class exams. Internet access, monitored email, and compatible software are required. Attendance and participation are required and expected.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the essential elements of critical thinking and logic.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students completing this course will be able to
· Recognize and construct arguments
· Recognize formal and informal fallacies
· Evaluate inductive and deductive arguments
· Translate statements and arguments using sentential logic
· Calculate the truth value of propositions
· Construct and interpret truth tables
· Recognize and apply valid rules of inference
· Construct proofs using natural deduction
Texts, Online Accounts, etc.:
Patrick Hurley, A Concise Introduction to Logic, 12th Edition (It will come with a code to access Aplia, the homework site. If you buy a used copy of the text, you will still need to purchase access to Aplia!).
Renée Smith, PHIL 110 Logic and Critical Thinking Notes and Activities, available in the bookstore near the lab materials.
Aplia Account. Your e-textbook will come with a code that will allow you to create an account at http://aplia.com, which will be your online destination for completing the required homework. If you buy a used book, you will still need to purchase and access code for Aplia.
Course Requirements :
Homework 40%
5 In-class exams 40%
Attendance & Participation, Pre-/Post-tests 10%
Final Exam 10%
Attendance:
As per the University catalog, attendance is required.
Grading Scale:
A (90-100); B+ (85-89); B (80-84); C+ (75-79); C (70-74); D+ (65-69); D (60-64); F (0-59)
Academic Integrity:
Campus Code of Conduct and Academic Responsibility will be enforced. Please refer to the Student Handbook or see me if you have questions about these policies. In particular, cheating and plagiarism will result in failure in the course.
Aplia:
Technical problems with Aplia should be directed to http://aplia.com/support
Tech Support:
Student Computing: http://www.coastal.edu/scs/: Kearns 113.
Google Sites
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