LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 1

The presence and use of logic is ubiquitous if hidden in the theory and practice of the sciences. The seminar offers a first introduction to logic and its role in the sciences. We will present a first introduction to formal logic---first order predicate logic (with identity), inductive logic, theory of relations, probability theory. We will then address logical questions that are of crucial scientific relevance. For example, we will use formal logic to phrase rigorously the idea that reality is structured in a hierarchy of levels of relative fundamentality described by the special sciences---allegedly ensuring irreducibility and autonomy. As for another example, we will develop a little bit of probability theory that is crucial for the logic of confirmation in science. We will also look at controversial arguments such as the argument from intelligent design, discussing issues about the demarcation of science and pseudo-science.

The seminar represents the first introduction to the use of abstract formal methods that are ubiquitous in the theory and practice of science and philosophy.

Knowledge and familiarity with formal logic, arguably the most crucial instrument to investigate rigorously philosophical questions; application of rigorous formal tools to relevant scientific case studies.

There are no pre-requisites. Everything that is needed will be introduced in class.

The seminar consists of 15 lectures, 2 hours each, for a total of 30 hours. Readings are in the Bibliography. Tentative contents include:

1. Introduction. Logic and .... Science (No Reading)

2. Naive Set Theory (Reading: [6], Chapter 1)

3. Arguments, Their Structure, and Propositional Logic 1 (Reading: [3] Chapter 2 and Chapter 3: § 3.1-3.4)

4. Propositional Logic 2: Truth Tables for Formulas and Arguments (Reading: [3] Chapter 3, § 3.5-3.6)

5. Falsifiability of Scientific hypotheses (Reading: [3] Chapter 3)

6. Predicate Logic 1: Names and Quantifiers (Reading: [3] Chapter 6, § 6.1-6.3)

7. Predicate Logic 2: Model Theoretic Semantics (Reading: [3], Chapter 3, §6.4)

8. Ontological Commitments of Scientific Theories (Reading: [2], §1.1-1.6, and [5])

9. Theory of Relations (Reading:[6] Chapter 2)

10. Theory of Relations (Reading: [6] Chapter 2)

11. Reductionism and Anntireductionism in the Sciences (Reading: [1])

12. Probability 1 (Reading:[3] Chapter 10)

13. Probability 2 (Reading: [6], Chapter 5)

14. Inductive Method and the Logic of Empiric Confirmation (Reading: [4] Chapter 12)

15. Preparation for the Exam (No Reading)

Bibliography

[1] Bliss, R. and Priest, G. 2018. The Geography of Fundamentality. In Bliss, R. and Priest, G.(eds) Reality and Its Structure. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 1-34.

[2] Bricker, P. 2014. Ontological Commitment. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. At https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ontological-commitment/

[3] Nolt, J., Rohatyn, D., Varzi, A. 1998. Logic (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.

[4] Priest G. 2017. A Very Short Introduction to Logic. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

[5] Quine, W. v. O, 1948. On What There Is. Review of Metaphysics 2(5): 21-38.

[6] Steinhart, E. 2017. More Precisely. Toronto: Broadview.

Class participation, exercises.

Final written test.

The exam consists of a written test at the end of the semester. It will be structured around different questions on different topics of the seminar. The last session will be entirely dedicated to the preparation of the exam. In fact, an example of a possible final exam will be distributed. The written exam lasts three hours.

The seminar will be structured around frontal lectures. However active student participation (e.g., questions, discussion) is highly encouraged.

English

written