| Index: | Instructor | Objectives | Texts | Topics |
| Assignments | Attendance | Grades | Exams | Disabilities |
| The course is designed as an introduction to the theory of formal systems for students without any specialtraining in mathematics or computer science. Primary emphasis will be placed on the role of formal analysis in the representation and evaluation of natural language arguments. Initially, students will learn to manipulate the apparatus of propositional and first-order predicate logics; subsequently, an introduction to the scope and limits of alternative logical systems will be presented; finally, selected topics in the philosophy of logic will also be introduced. |
| Required Texts The following texts are required; a thorough familiarity with their contents is advised:
 
|
Recommended Texts The following texts are recommended for those students who wish to advance their philosophical understanding or abilities:
|
| (1) ARGUMENTS AND APPARATUS |
| Readings: | Hausman et al., Chapters 1 & 2. |
| Exercises & Exams: | 1 Exercise Set. |
| (2) SENTENTIAL LOGIC: METHODS, SCOPE, AND LIMITS |
| Readings: | Hausman et al., Chapters 3 - 6; Hofstadter, Part I |
| Exercises & Exams: | 2 Exercise sets; EXAM #1. |
| (3) PREDICATE LOGIC: METHODS, SCOPE, AND LIMITS |
| Readings: | Hausman et al., Chapters 7 - 13; Hofstadter, Part I |
| Exercises & Exams: | 2 Exercise Sets; EXAM #2. |
| (4) ALTERNATIVE LOGICS |
| Readings: | Hausman et al., Chapter 18; Bell, et al., Chapters 2.4 – 6.1. |
| (5) PHILOSOPHY AND FORMALIZATION |
| Readings: | Hofstadter, Part II; Quine, Chapters 1-7; Sainsbury , 1-6. |
| Exercises & Exams: | EXAM #3. |
| For the most part, reading assignments will be made on a daily basis. Inasmuchas the lecture and discussion periods will ordinarily focus finely on the technical apparatus presented in the required text,it is essential that you keep well abreast of the readings. Exercises will generally beassigned at least one calendar week before coming due; however, exercises will be accepted for credit ONLY on or before the assigned days. The purpose of the exercises is to prepare you for the exams, so if you miss one, you may wish to secure a copy from someone else in the class. Examination Periods will be announced at least one calendar week in advance. |
| All students are expected to attend all class periods. |
| All exercises and exams will be graded using a numerical scale. Final greades sent to theregistrar are based on cumulative average performance, according to the schedule provided below. |
| NAME | TOPIC | TOTAL POINTS | GRADEPERCENT | CUM. PERCENT |
| Exercise #1 | Apparatus | 18 | 6 | 6 |
| Exercise #2 | Sentential Logic-1 | 18 | 6 | 12 |
| Exercise #3 | Sentential Logic-2 | 18 | 6 | 18 |
| Exercise #4 | Predicate Logic-1 | 18 | 6 | 24 |
| Exercise #5 | Predicate Logic-2 | 18 | 6 | 30 |
| EXAM #1 | SENTENTIAL LOGIC | 84 | 28 | 58 |
| EXAM #2 | PREDICATE LOGIC | 84 | 28 | 86 |
| EXAM #3 | LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY | 42 | 14 | 100 |
| If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with your instructor as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services (898-2783) with questions about such services. |
| Instructor: | RonBombardi Department ofPhilosophy Middle Tennessee StateUniversity |
|---|---|
| Email: | Ron Bombardi |
| Office: | James Union Building: Room 307 |
| Telephone: | 615-898-2049 |
| Office Hours: | 8:00-9:00 & 10:05-11:25, MWF; and by appointment |
