Introduction to Logic
F06
Klaus Ladstaetter
Logic studies the difference between valid and invalid arguments. In this introductory course on modern symbolic logic, we shall investigate formal properties of logic systems rather than their application to the analysis of everyday reasoning. More exactly, we shall examine three different types of artificial languages: the language of sentential logic (LSL), the language of predicate logic (LPL), and the language of first order logic (LFOL). Topics regarding LSL include its syntax and semantics, truth tables, interpretations falsifying implication claims, evaluations of elementary metatheoretical claims, formal proofs, and translations of English into LSL. Topics regarding LPL and LFOL cover their syntax and semantics, interpretations falsifying implication claims, and translations of English into LFOL; however, we will not construct formal proofs in LFOL. Students should be prepared to do weekly homework assignments. There will be a midterm and a final exam; class participation will be taken into account.