• 1 hour in class = 2 hours outside class

• Should be able to read and write at the College level.
• Since the ability to comprehend what you read is a prerequisite skill in logical reasoning, students are advised to take the necessary English courses either prior to or concurrently with Phil. 110.

• Essential Logic: Basic Reasoning Skills For the Twenty-First Century , by Ronald C. Pine
• Lecture and Tutorial Supplements
• Course Video Links
  

• The course develops basic techniques of analysis and an understanding of the principles and concepts involved in clear thinking. Emphasized will be logical validity, deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacious arguments, symbolic logic, and scientific method as applied to criteria of reasonable evidence.
  
  This course fulfills the Symbolic Reasoning requirement for the Foundation requirement for Honolulu Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. See the Manoa General Education requirements.

• Because we live in a highly technological society, students should gain a basic understanding and appreciation of formal reasoning and its connection with the informal reasoning of every day life. Students should also gain an understanding of the basic software foundations for our machines (computers, game consoles, cell phones, etc.), and the process of putting human thoughts into these machines. Additionally, the course is based on the assumption that the less we think critically the more someone else will think for us -- usually with the intention of manipulating us. From this point of view, logic can be viewed as a defensive tool enabling each of us to defend ourselves against the onslaught of persuasive appeals that bombard our minds daily. As such it is an important element in the development of individual potential -- enabling us to be freer and more decisive individuals.

• demonstrate an understanding of the beauty and power of symbolic systems, as well as their clarity and precision, through use of techniques of logical and quantitative analysis, with the intention of enhancing the student's reasoning skills and appreciation of abstraction, pattern recognition, and formal systems of analysis.
  
  
• demonstrate an understanding the concept of logical proof as a chain of inferences by producing symbolic chains of inferences of their own.
  
  
• demonstrate skill in hypothetical reasoning, and gain experience in the presentation and critical evaluation of evidence.
  
  
• demonstrate an ability to use symbolic techniques and formal rules in the context of problem solving by applying symbolic analysis techniques (translating, formal proof techniques, truth tables, argument pattern recognition) both to informal (fallacies) and formal reasoning.

1. Reading carefully -- recognizing arguments and persuasive appeals.
2. Argument analysis -- premises and conclusions.
3. Deductive and Inductive reasoning.
4. Valid, Invalid, and Sound arguments.
   
   
   

1. Fallacies of Relevance
2. Fallacies of Questionable Premise
3. Fallacies of Weak Induction
   
   
   

C. Basic skills of symbolic logic.  (70%, Chapters 7-12)

1. Symbolic Translation
2. Truth Tables
3. Formal Proofs of Validity (Copi's Nineteen Rules of Inference)
4. Quantification Logic
5. Multivalued (Fuzzy) Logic

• Since this course involves a step by step introduction of material, Laulima participation sequencing and class attendance are very important.
  
  
• There will be ten quizzes (20pts. each = 200 pts.), one exam on Chapters 1-5 (100 pts.), and a final exam covering Chapters 7-12 (160 pts.).
  
  
• There will be no make-ups of individual quizzes, but there will be bonus points opportunities in the Laulima postings and on the major exams.
  
  
• Class participation and Laulima postings (50 pts.)  Details discussed on the first day of class.
  
  
• The final grade will be based on a percentage of the total points as follows:
  
  
  • 100-90% = A 
  •   89-80% = B 
  •   79-66% = C 
  •   65-55% = D 
  •   54% = F, N or Inc.
    
    
• Please note that the "N" and "Inc." grades are given only for special circumstances.

• Special Note: Students with disabilities may obtain information on available services online at http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/disability. Specific inquires may be made by contacting Student ACCESS at (808) 844-2392 voice/text, by e-mail at access@hcc.hawaii.edu, or simply stopping by Student ACCESS located in Bldg. 7, Rm. 319.