Introduction to Logic
PHI 103 # 13823
Miles DeCoster
Fall 2015
Do you like to argue?
Do you like to engage others in debate in order to prove or refute a
point?
Do you enjoy solving language puzzles?
Would you like to learn how logical arguments are structured and learn
how to analyze the arguments that other people make?
Would you like to learn more about using reason to draw inferences
from a set of facts or premises?
If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions then PHI 103 might be the class for you.
In PHI 103 we will learn how to reason and argue in a precise and effective manner that should aid
anyone curious about civil debate, but will be especially useful for those interested in pursuing a career
in the legal, medical, scientific, or political fields. Specifically we will learn how to construct, deconstruct,
represent and critique arguments with an emphasis on validity and soundness. These skills can be
applied to all kinds of real life situations from simple debate, to discussion about the deep questions of
human existence, to the critical evaluation of arguments given by politicians or lawyers. In addition PHI
103 also counts as a language credit. Logic is a universally applicable and highly practical skill to have
and hone, so if any of this sounds interesting to you, then you would be doing yourself a service by
taking PHI 103.
Sample argument:
P1: If logic is awesome and practically useful, then you should take logic.
P2: Logic is awesome and practically useful.
You should take logic.