Ateneo - UPO

1) ARGUMENTATION: Introduction to logic and its applications to argumentation theory.

2) COMMUNICATION: Explicit and implicit communication.

1) ARGUMENTATION, for both attending and non-attending students:

– D. Palladino. 2021. Corso di Logica. Introduzione Elementare al Calcolo dei Predicati. A cura di M. Frixione. Carocci (nota bene: edition 2021).

2) COMMUNICATION, for both attending and non-attending students:

– F. Piazza, Linguaggio, persuasione, verità, Carocci, Roma
– F. Ervas, E. Gola, Che cos'è una metafora, Carocci, Roma
– Additional texts provided by the professor

1) ARGUMENTATION:
At the basic level, the learning objective is to acquire knowledge of the key notions of propositional and first-order logic, while detailing their relevance to argumentation theory.

At an advanced level, the learning objective is to use the technical notions of propositional and first-order logic in the analysis of complex argumentations.

2) COMMUNICATION:
Basic skills:
a) Developing basic skills of explicit and implicit communication;
b) promoting self-awareness of students' communicative skills;
c) refining the rhetorical effectiveness in philosophical and extra-philosophical domains.
These skills are functional to understand the argumentative structure of philosophical and scientific essays and to improve one's communicative effectiveness.

Advanced level: the student must demonstrate full knowledge of the contents of the course and be able to articulate and communicate them with rigour, full autonomy, and adaptability to the contexts of use.

Proficiency in Italian. No previous knowledge of logic is required.

Lectures and classroom exercises.

1) ARGUMENTATION:
Written test, lasting 90 minutes, to assess the achievement of the Learning Objectives and the Intended Learning Outcomes. The exam consists of three open-ended questions (maximum 6 points per question) and six exercises (maximum 2 points per exercise). In evaluating the open-ended responses, the scoring will be based 70% on the understanding of the course topics and 30% on clarity of exposition. Full mastery of scientific terminology is essential to achieve top marks (30 e lode).

2) COMMUNICATION:
The final examination is designed to test mastery of the topics discussed and the bibliography studied, in accordance with the Learning Objectives and Intended Learning Outcomes. The examination will be in written form (90 minutes). The tests will consist of three open-ended questions, each with a maximum of 10 points, on one of the topics discussed in the classroom. Specifically, the three questions will be devoted to: 1) the legacy of classical rhetoric (max. 10 points), 2) two topics relating to contemporary communication theory (two questions, max. 10 points each). The student must answer the questions and argue using the appropriate scientific terminology.

OVERALL GRADE:
The final grade will be assigned jointly: the grades given for the two modules will be compared to obtain an overall grade that reflects the level of understanding of the entire course content. The exam will be considered passed if a grade of 18/30 or higher is achieved. To obtain a high grade, the student must demonstrate rigor in the arguments and display critical thinking skills.

1) ARGUMENTATION:
1. Inferences and reasoning. 2. Simple and complex propositions. 3. Propositional logic: tautologies, equivalence, logical consequence, and valid rules. 4. Semantic trees for propositional logic. 5. Predicate logic: language and rules.

2) COMMUNICATION:
I) an introduction to some main theories of human communication;
II) pragmatic analysis of some linguistic phenomena (implicit meaning, metaphors).

1) ARGUMENTATION:
At the basic level, the intended learning outcomes are:
(1. Knowledge and understanding) to gain familiarity with the main notions of propositional and first-order logic;
(2. Applying knowledge and understanding) to formalise simple arguments from ordinary language;
(3. Making judgements) to identify the main logical fallacies;
(4. Communication skills) to describe clearly and concisely how to apply logic to argumentation theory;
(5. Learning skills) to use propositional logic in developing new arguments.

At an advanced level, the intended learning outcomes are:
(1. Knowledge and understanding) to understand the technical details of propositional and first-order logic;
(2. Applying knowledge and understanding) to formalise complex arguments from ordinary language;
(3. Making judgements) to identify several logical fallacies;
(4. Communication skills) to make concrete examples of how to apply first-order logic to argumentation theory;
(5. Learning skills) to use first-order logic in developing new arguments.

2) COMMUNICATION:
Basic level:
I. Knowledge of some important contemporary theories of rational communication;
II. improvement of communication skills (including understanding of implied meaning);
III. application of abstract notions to personal practice of rational communication.

Advanced level: the student must demonstrate full knowledge of the course content and be able to articulate and communicate it with rigour, full autonomy, and originality.