Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of language as an aid to sound thinking. The nature of scientific methods, hypotheses and probability, and statistical methods are covered with consideration of the application of logical principles in science and practical life. This course analyzes fallacies that commonly occur in advertising, political propaganda, and in everyday arguments. The student is also introduced to basic concepts in formal logic and to techniques in logic such as Venn Diagrams. An introduction to formal logic, describing symbolization, sentential connectives, and quantification.
Natural deduction is introduced, emphasizing techniques of proof.
Translation and the application of formal logic to the analysis of arguments and determination of validity are studied. An examination of the origins and development of western philosophical thought beginning with the Greeks and emphasizing the ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and continuing on through the Roman and Medieval philosophers. This course acquaints the student with the main trends of post-Renaissance thought leading to the rise of modern science. The significant thinkers discussed are from Francis Bacon to Marx to more recent developments of Empiricism and Existentialism. An introduction to the study of human values, the grounds of reasonable choice and the standards of right and wrong.