This procedure is adopted because translation into the symbolic language reveals logical structure, and because the rules for arguments in the symbolic language are simpler and more precise than the rules for arguments in natural languages. The goal of the course is to develop skill in recognizing the logical structure of arguments, and skill in constructing derivations for valid arguments. A derivation shows how the conclusion of a valid argument can be obtained from the premisses in a series of steps conforming to the rules of a derivational system. The rules of a derivational system are formulated with mathematical precision and reliance on them makes logic mathematical. Philosophy 314, Symbolic Logic.
Logic is the study of arguments.
We will translate arguments into a symbolic language and formulate rules for the symbolic arguments. This procedure is adopted because translation into the symbolic language reveals logical structure, and because the rules for arguments in the symbolic language are simpler and more precise than the rules for arguments in natural languages. In fact, we will demonstrate that they meet certain formal standards of adequacy. The goal of the course is to develop skill in recognizing the logical structure of arguments, skill in constructing proofs, and an understanding of the criteria for good systems for constructing proofs. Philosophy 318, Advanced Symbolic Logic .