Ateneo - UPO

Logic studies valid arguments — that is, arguments in which, if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Knowing what makes an argument valid helps us identify logical fallacies: arguments that may seem convincing at first, but turn out to be logically flawed on closer inspection.

This course introduces basic logic, focusing on propositional and first-order logic.

The bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students:

Palladino D. 2021. Corso di Logica. Introduzione Elementare al Calcolo dei Predicati. Edited by M. Frixione. Carocci.

At the basic level, the learning objective is to gain an understanding 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 arguments.

No prior knowledge of logic is required.

Lectures focused on interactive participation and classroom exercises.

This course is part of “Argumentation and Communication”. For notices and updates, subscribe to its DIR page. For any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at: samuele.iaquinto@uniupo.it.

Students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or special educational needs can request specific services and tools through the appropriate office, as indicated on the University website: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. They can contact me after reaching out to the University staff, to discuss examination modalities and teaching arrangements.

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).

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. First-order logic: language and rules.

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 formalize 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 formalize 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.