Ateneo - UPO

1) ARGUMENTATION: 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. This course introduces basic logic, focusing on propositional and first-order logic. 2) COMMUNICATION: The course aims to examine forms of communication and argumentation that, while not coinciding with logical argumentation, maintain a high standard of rationality and are therefore highly recommendable in public debate and wherever there isn't a single correct answer, but alternatives to choose from in light of reasonableness.

The bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students. Notably: 1) ARGUMENTATION: Palladino D. 2021. Corso di Logica. Introduzione Elementare al Calcolo dei Predicati. Edited by M. Frixione. Carocci. 2) COMMUNICATION: a) F. Piazza, Linguaggio, persuasione, verità, Carocci, Roma; 2) F. Ervas, E. Gola, Che cos'è una metafora, Carocci, Roma; 3) Additional texts provided by the professor

1) ARGUMENTATION: 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. 2) COMMUNICATION: Basic Level: a) Develop basic skills in rational communication, even in extra-logical contexts; b) Promote awareness of one's own communication skills; c) Refine rhetorical effectiveness in philosophical and extra-philosophical contexts. These competencies are functional for understanding the argumentative structure of philosophical and scientific essays and for improving one's communication effectiveness in any context. Advanced Level: Mature knowledge of the course content and the ability to articulate it in rigorous, rational, and fully autonomous public communication, adapting to different contexts of use.

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

Lectures focused on interactive participation and classroom exercises

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.

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:Written exam, lasting 90 minutes, aimed at verifying the achievement of the learning Objectives and Intended Learning Outcomes. The tests will consist of three open-ended questions, each covering one of the topics discussed in class, for a maximum of 10 points each. Specifically, the three questions will be dedicated to: 1) the legacy of classical rhetoric (max. 10 points), 2) two topics related to contemporary communication theory (two questions, max. 10 points each). The student will be required to answer the questions and argue using 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. First-order logic: language and rules. 2) COMMUNICATION: 1. The history of rhetoric; 2.The twentieth-century turn: New Rhetoric, Pragmatics, and New Pragmatics; 3. Theories of metaphors and implicit language.

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 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. 2) COMMUNICATION: Basic Level: 1.Knowledge of some important contemporary theories of rational communication; 2. Improvement of communication skills (including understanding implicit meaning); 3. Application of abstract notions to personal practice of rational communication, with an increase in autonomy of judgment. Advanced Level: The student must demonstrate full knowledge of the course content and be able to articulate and communicate it with rigor, full autonomy, and originality.