Advanced Logic

Code

PHIL3011

School

Philosophy

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module investigates different kinds of contemporary logic, as well as their uses in philosophy. We will investigate the syntax and semantics of various logics, including first order logic, modal logics, and three-valued logics, as well as ways to apply formal techniques from these logics to philosophical topics such as possibility and necessity, vagueness, and the Liar paradox. We’ll cover ways to reason and construct proofs using the logics we study, and also ways to reason about them. We’ll look at proofs regarding the limits of formal logic, including proofs of soundness, completeness, and decidability.

Target Students

Third year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students. Also available to Liberal Arts students in their final year who have completed either PHIL1012 or PHIL1013. Third year maths students and physics students, where their degree specification allows. Also available to exchange students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 30% In-class Test: Mid semester - 1 hour In-class test
• 70% Exam (2-hour): 2 hour exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding.
By the end of this module you should be able to:

• understand the specialized vocabulary of formal logic;
• understand the structure of proofs establishing results about a number of modern logics;
• and appreciate the scope and limits of modern logics.
• You will also have sufficient background in logic to take advanced modules in specialist areas.

B. Intellectual skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to:

• analyse and evaluate rival views within these areas.

C. Transferable skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to:

• express views on abstract issues clearly and concisely in writing.

Conveners

• Professor Mark Jago