Foundations Logical Reasoning

This course introduces the student to the intellectual foundations, conceptual frameworks and methodologies of logic. It examines the distinctions between arguments and nonarguments, premises and conclusions, deductive and inductive arguments, explicit and implicit premises, and key valid and invalid argument forms. It explores the kinds of reasons that are relevant to major foundational projects for acquisition and increase of knowledge, the function of logic in the context of theories about meaning, knowledge, values or reality, and how to apply logical reasoning to controversies in ethics, politics, science or religion. Offered fall, spring, summer. (Formerly PHIL 111)