Ateneo - UPO

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.

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.

ARGUMENTATION
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.

COMMUNICATION
The bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students.. Notably: a) F.
Piazza,Linguaggio, persuasione, verità, Carocci, Roma; b) F. Ervas, E. Gola, Che cos'è una metafora,
Carocci, Roma; c) Additional texts provided by the professor

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.

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.

None

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.

COMMUNICATION
Lectures focused on interactive participation and classroom exercises. In presence lessons.

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.

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. A
passing grade requires knowledge and understanding of the fundamental notions covered in the course,
as well as the ability to apply, at least at a basic level, the logical tools presented in class. Full mastery
of scientific terminology is essential to achieve top marks (30 e lode).

COMMUNICATION
Written exam, lasting 90 minutes, aimed at verifying the achievement of the Course Objectives and
Expected 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). Students will be required to
answer the questions and argue using appropriate scientific terminology. The exam will be successfully
passed if a total score of 18/30 or higher is achieved. A paper with exhaustive answers to all three
questions will be awarded the maximum score (30/30) with a possible distinction (cum laude).

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.

COMMUNICATION
1. The history of rhetoric; 2.The twentieth-century turn: New Rhetoric, Pragmatics, and New
Pragmatics; 3. Theories of metaphors and implicit language.

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.

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.