Philosophy of Logic [2488]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in French
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: French
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle 

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of logic by examining the nature, purpose, and methods of logical reasoning. It explores the definition and historical development of logic, its relationship with epistemology, the principal forms of logic, and the foundations of Aristotelian logic. The course also introduces formal, informal, symbolic, and mathematical logic before focusing on the identification and analysis of logical fallacies. Throughout the course, students develop the ability to evaluate arguments critically, distinguish valid from invalid reasoning, and apply logical principles to philosophical inquiry and everyday discourse.

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• Explain the fundamental concepts, methods, and historical development of logic.
• Distinguish the main forms of logic and their relationship to epistemology and philosophical reasoning.
• Analyze and evaluate arguments by applying the principles of correct reasoning and identifying logical fallacies.
• Apply logical methods to construct, interpret, and assess arguments in philosophical and everyday contexts.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Examine the foundations, sources and validity of knowledge through logic, language and the philosophy of science 

Course Outline

Section 1: Introduction to Logic 

Section 2: Fallacies in Logic

Section 3: Formal Logic – Categorical Syllogism I

Section 4: Formal Logic – Categorical Syllogism II

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written French is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered. 

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Irving M. Copi, Carl Cohen et Victor Rodych, Introduction to Logic, 15th ed., New York, Routledge, 2019.
• Patrick J. Hurley, A Concise Introduction to Logic, 13th ed., Boston, MA, Cengage Learning, 2018.
• Graham Priest, Logic: A Very Short Introduction, 2nd ed., Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2017.
• Theodore Sider, Logic for Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2010.
• Peter Smith, An Introduction to Formal Logic, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2020.