Symbolic Logic
- Arts
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 132 pages
- 13 units
This course, Symbolic Logic, introduces students to the fundamental principles of logic, emphasizing both propositional and predicate calculus. It explores the rules of inference, logical connectives, and truth tables, enabling students to distinguish between valid and invalid arguments. The course aims to enhance critical thinking skills and the ability to translate natural language into symbolic notations, fostering a deeper understanding of logical reasoning and its applications.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- PHL105 Introduction to Logic I
- PHL152 Introduction to Logic II
- GST203 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL301, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL301 · Unit 1: Meaning of Propositional Variables, Propositional Constants and Logical Connectives
This course will involve intensive interaction between learners and facilitators. Learners are encouraged to practice the module exercises provided for them and then confront their facilitator with difficulties. The participation of learners go on to contribute to class participation which may attract some points in the final evaluation of learners registered for the course.
What you should be able to do
- Identify and comprehend propositional calculus.
- Explain the concept of predicate calculus.
- Discuss the rules of inference and replacement.
- Apply the laws and principles of logic to propositions.
- Translate natural logic into symbolic notations.
- Determine the validity or invalidity of arguments.
What it prepares you for
- Lawyer
- Philosopher
- Computer Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Law
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analysis
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Propositional Calculus II
Unit 4: Method of Natural Deduction
This unit requires a strong understanding of the rules of inference and replacement, as well as the ability to apply them creatively to construct proofs.
- Module 4: Predicate Calculus II
Unit 2: Invalidity in Predicate Logic
This unit involves understanding the nuances of quantifiers and their negations, and applying them correctly to determine the validity or invalidity of arguments.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 49 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Propositional Calculus I
Unit 1: Meaning of propositional variables, Propositional constants and Logical Connectives · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Meaning of propositional variables, Propositional constants and Logical Connectives.. Understand the definitions of propositional variables and constants.. Identify and apply logical connectives.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 2Module 1: Propositional Calculus I
Unit 2: Symbolising Propositions · 4 hours
Study Unit 2: Symbolising Propositions.. Practice symbolising various types of propositions including negations, conjunctions, disjunctions, conditionals, and biconditionals.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 3Module 1: Propositional Calculus I
Unit 3: Truth-Conditions and Truth-Tables · 4 hours
Study Unit 3: Truth-Conditions and Truth-Tables.. Learn how to construct truth tables for different logical connectives.. Apply truth tables to determine the truth-value of compound propositions.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 4Module 1: Propositional Calculus I
Unit 4: Tautology, Contradiction and Contingent Truths · 3 hours
Study Unit 4: Tautology, Contradiction and Contingent Truths.. Learn how to use truth tables to identify tautologies, contradictions, and contingent truths.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 5Module 2: Propositional Calculus II
Unit 1: Validity/Invalidity of Arguments · 4 hours
Study Unit 1: Validity/Invalidity of Arguments.. Learn how to test the validity of arguments using truth tables.. Understand and apply the method of reduction ad absurdum.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 6Module 2: Propositional Calculus II
Unit 2: Basic Valid Argument Forms · 4 hours
Study Unit 2: Basic Valid Argument Forms.. Identify and relate with the basic valid arguments.. Explain the signs related to each basic argument.. Apply the signs related to each basic argument..
- Week 7Module 2: Propositional Calculus II
Unit 3: Logically Equivalent Formulas · 3 hours
Study Unit 3: Logically Equivalent Formulas.. Identify some logical connectives that are equivalent.. Identify some equivalent logical equations.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 8Module 2: Propositional Calculus II
Unit 4: Method of Natural Deduction · 5 hours
Study Unit 4: Method of Natural Deduction.. Understand the rules of inference and replacement.. Apply the rules of conditional and indirect proof.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 9Module 3: Predicate Calculus I
Unit 1: Introducing Predicate logic · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Introducing Predicate logic.. Identify the essential features of predicate logic.. Apply the rules and understand the symbols peculiar to symbolic logic..
- Week 10Module 3: Predicate Calculus I
Unit 2: Symbolising Propositions in Predicate Logic · 4 hours
Study Unit 2: Symbolising Propositions in Predicate Logic.. Apply the relevant connectives for predicate logic.. Develop the ability to symbolize simple and compound propositions.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 11Module 3: Predicate Calculus I
Unit 3: Truth and Falsity in Predicate Logic · 4 hours
Study Unit 3: Truth and Falsity in Predicate Logic.. Identify the various ways of attaining truth-values in predicate logic.. Identify the various connectives and what truth-values they imply.. Complete the unit exercises..
- Week 12Module 4: Predicate Calculus II
Unit 1: Validity in Predicate Logic · 4 hours
Study Unit 1: Validity in Predicate Logic.. Identify the means of attaining validity in predicate logic.. Solve relevant exercises that will deepen understanding..
- Week 13Module 4: Predicate Calculus II
Unit 2: Invalidity in Predicate Logic · 4 hours
Study Unit 2: Invalidity in Predicate Logic.. Identify the rules of invalidity in predicate logic.. Apply the determining conditions in the methods of natural interpretation and interpretation for a model universe.. Complete the unit exercises..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all key definitions and concepts from each unit.
- Practice translating natural language arguments into symbolic form.
- Master the construction and interpretation of truth tables.
- Work through numerous examples of proofs using the rules of inference and replacement.
- Focus on understanding the restrictions on the application of each rule.
- Create flashcards for all logical equivalences and valid argument forms.
- Practice identifying common fallacies in reasoning.
- Review all TMAs and assignments, paying close attention to feedback.
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study and practice each week.
- Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and practice problems together.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL301 about?
This course, Symbolic Logic, introduces students to the fundamental principles of logic, emphasizing both propositional and predicate calculus. It explores the rules of inference, logical connectives, and truth tables, enabling students to distinguish between valid and invalid arguments. The course aims to enhance critical thinking skills and the ability to translate natural language into symbolic notations, fostering a deeper understanding of logical reasoning and its applications.
How many units does PHL301 have?
PHL301, Symbolic Logic, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 132 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL301?
PHL301 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is PHL301 hard?
PHL301 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does PHL301 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is PHL301 assessed?
PHL301 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting PHL301?
PHL105 Introduction to Logic I PHL152 Introduction to Logic II GST203 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
What can I do with PHL301?
Lawyer, Philosopher, Computer Scientist, Data Analyst and Software Engineer.