Instructor: Nick Huggett
1413 University Hall
email: huggett
TAs: Cameron Brewer Yiorgos Katsikatsos Ken Martin
UH 1414 UH 823 UH 1408
email: cabrewer
email: gkatsik
email: kmarti4
Note: add '@uic.edu' to email name to send email.
Web Page: www.uic.edu/~huggett
General Computer Help: go to SEL 2267 or look up www.uic.edu/depts/accc.
Lecture: MW 11-11.50 LC A1
Office Hours: or by appointment.
Huggett = MW 2-3pm
Brewer = W 9.30-10.30am, F 1-2pm
Katsikatsos = MW 9.30-10.30am
Martin = M 10.20-10.50, Thur 6-7.30pm in SEL 2058,
a
computer
lab.
Description: What is logic and what does it have to offer? In one sense, logic is a study of the structure of language - it is based on the idea that the infinity of possible sentences can all be composed according to a few simple rules, so that different sentences composed according to the same rules have the same form. In another sense, logic is a study of arguments - the idea of formal logic is that when one knows the logical form of an argument, one can precisely determine whether it is valid or not. In yet another sense, logic is a study of thought and reason - for it is natural to think of our thought processes as like arguments from existing beliefs to new ones.
To understand these ideas we will study and master the apparatus of formal logic: the languages of propositional and predicate logics, and the methods of proving validity. With this in hand we can start to see the power and importance of modern logic in a variety of fields: and, perhaps of most immediate practical benefit in other courses, students will develop clarity of expression, and precision in their arguments and reasoning.
Required Text: Language, Proof and Logic, Barwise and Etchemendy: CCC book store.
Note: Every student must have their own new copy to use the course software.
Directions: You should read the appropriate material and attempt the relevant 'You Try It' sections before coming to class. After class, reread the book, referring to your lecture notes, and complete the assignments. Note that the assigned exercises constitute a minimum amount of work if you want to succeed in this class: I recommend completing more of the exercises - many can be automatically graded for you. Note too that we will use some of the unassigned exercises in the book as quiz questions.
Schedule (subject to revision):
Aug 23-27 Introduction
Section 1.1-4
Aug 30-Sep 3 Section 2.1-5 (Section 2.4 from handout not book)
Sep 7-10
Labor Day: Monday Sep 6
Section 3.1-4
Sep 13-17 Section 3.5-7
Review
Sep 20-24 Quiz One: Monday Sep 20
Section 4.1-3
Sep 27-Oct 1 Section 4.4-5
Oct 4-8 Section 5.1-3
Review
Oct 11-15
Quiz Two: Monday Oct 11
Section 6.1-2
Oct 18-22 Section 6.3-5
Oct 25-29 Section 7.1-2
Review
Nov 1-5 Quiz Three: Monday Nov 1
Section 8.1-2
Nov 8-12 Section 9.1-5
Nov 15-19 Section 9.6, Section 11.1-2
Review
Nov 22-24 Quiz Four: Monday Nov 22
Nov 29-Dec 3
Review
* Problems sets due every Friday 9/3-11/19/04
Procedures:
* Quizzes and Final are graded A (=4.0), A- (=3.5), B (=3), B- (2.5), C (=2), D (=1), F (=0).
* Exercises are graded pass/fail (=4.0/0).
* Final grades are computed as averages of all work.
* Quizzes with grade F must be made up within a week of return with a take home exam; those with a grade D may be if the student wishes. In either case a C grade is the maximum possible.
* Make-ups for missed quizzes are only available in cases of genuine, documented hardship, and then only by prior arrangement with the instructor unless impossible.
* Paper assignments are due at the start of class, electronic assignments by the start of class: late assignments will be corrected but receive a failing grade unless excused for genuine hardship.
* Absences will only be excused in cases of genuine, documented hardship, and then only if requested as soon as possible.
* Keep all returned work in case of dispute with our records.
* Students are encouraged to read and work on the 'You Try It' sections in groups, but the submitted assignments must be your own work.
* The University has strict sanctions for plagiarism: it is your responsibility to understand what is acceptable, so if you are in any doubts, check with us. Academic dishonesty will be pursued to the full extent of the law. See http://www.uic.edu/depts/sja/integrit.htm for details.
* Students
with disabilities who require accommodations for access and
participation in this course must be registered with the Office of
Disability Services (ODS). Please contact ODS at 312-413-2183 (voice)
or 312-413-0123 (TTY). The
instructor will make any necessary accommodations for such students on
request.