LOGIC

The seminar offers a first introduction to logic and to some of its applications. 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.

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

Knowledge and familiarity with formal logic, arguably the most crucial instrument to investigate rigorously philosophical questions; application of rigorous formal tools to relevant philosophical and 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. Propositional Logic 3. Wrapping Up (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. Predicate Logic 3: Validity and Countermodels (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. Applications of the Theory of Relations (Reading: [1])

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

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

14. Inductive Logic of Confirmation (Reading: [4] Chapter 12)

15. Preparation for the Exam (No Reading)

[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

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.

written

To pass the exam 18/30 is needed. 30L is the highest grade.

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

English