Symbolic Logic (Philosophy 240)				Spring 2010
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor: Greg Frost-Arnold			Email: gfrost-arnold@hws.edu
Office Phone: 781.4509			
Office Hours: (Demarest 308) W&F 11:00-12:00, Th 10-11:30, & by appointment
 
COURSE DESCRIPTION  
This course is an introduction to the techniques and theories of formal logic. Logic is the study of how we should reason, i.e. make inferences from given assertions; in other words, logic investigates precise methods for separating good arguments from bad ones.  Formal logic studies which argument forms or structures are good, and which are not—regardless of the particular content of what the argument is about.  This course develops rigorous tests that determine whether an argument’s form is good or not.  Along the way, we will discuss a few philosophical issues raised by the discipline of formal logic.

COURSE GOALS 
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
1.	 Articulate a precise and useful characterization of what distinguishes good arguments from bad ones.
2.	 Translate ordinary English sentences into logical symbolism, which enables you to…
3.	 Determine which arguments are good, and which are not.
4.	 Construct your own complete, good arguments for a particular claim, from a given set of premises—or show that no good argument can be constructed.
5.	 Recognize some of the philosophical presuppositions, as well as implications, of modern formal logic. 
	
TEXTS  
There is only one required book in the bookstore, Language, Proof, and Logic, by Barwise and Etchemendy.  But there is another source for required readings: items posted to Blackboard.  You must print out these texts and bring them to class.
 
GRADING & ASSIGNMENTS
Homework: 60%	N.B. I will drop your 2 lowest homework grades.
Midterm: 15%		
Final Exam: 15%	
Final Project: 10%

CLASS POLICIES  
Participation: You are allowed three unexcused absences.  After that, your final grade will suffer.  If you have a problem and must miss class, please inform me as soon as you can.  You must provide documentation (or other evidence) to be excused.  

Repeatedly engaging in activities that impair class function, such as talking to your neighbor, napping, or using your phone, will count against your participation grade.

Late homework assignments receive no credit (remember, I drop your lowest two scores).

Cheating or plagiarism, in any form, absolutely will not be tolerated.  If this class is to succeed as a collaborative learning project for you and me, it must be based on respect and trust between us.  Anyone who abuses that trust will be punished to the extent that University policies allow; the usual penalty is failing the course. You are responsible for knowing HWS’s Principle of Academic Integrity (http://www.hws.edu/catalogue/policies.aspx).

If you have a documented disability, I will do everything I can to help you succeed in this class.  You need to contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to obtain a letter stating exactly what special accommodations you receive, and then you and I must meet to discuss how best to meet your needs.  Disability related accommodations and services generally will not be provided until the registration and documentation process is complete. More information can be found at http://www.hws.edu/disabilities.  The CTL phone number is x3351 or TTY x4412, or you can email David Silver at silver@hws.edu.

Further information about the CTL: Hobart and William Smith Colleges encourage students to seek academic collaborations and resources that will enable them to do their best work.  Students who would like to enhance their study skills, writing skills, or other academic skills may visit the CTL website at http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/index.aspx.

Turn off your cell phones, please.