This course examines the systems
of logic, fallacies, strategies
of logical persuasion, propaganda
and theories of meaning and
truth. The goal of the course
is twofold: that students gain
an appreciation of the manifold
character of “everyday” reasoning,
and that they develop sensitivity
to the possibilities and pitfalls
of persuasive discourse.
The course is designed for students who have little or
no knowledge/background in logic. Accordingly, the course
will introduce students to the basic principles of reasoning
that are used to distinguish between good (correct) and
bad (incorrect) reasoning. Through the study of logic students
acquire the ability to express their ideas clearly and
concisely, enlarge their capacity to understand the relationship
between premises and conclusions, and increase their skill
in determining when arguments succeed or fail to establish
their conclusions.
