Introduction to Logic & Formal Reasoning

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Brendan Walsh (Associate Professor of Philosophy)
• Email: bwalsh@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 240
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 10:00–11:30 a.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 240)
  • Thursday: 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Argument analysis, informal fallacies, propositional logic, truth tables, natural deduction, and first-order predicate logic, with applications to scientific and legal reasoning. PHIL 205 provides a rigorous, systematic introduction to symbolic logic, deductive inference, and the formal analysis of reasoning. Students develop proficiency in translating natural language arguments into formal propositional notation, evaluating argument validity through truth tables, and constructing formal syntactic proofs using natural deduction rules. Moving beyond propositional logic, the course covers monadic and polyadic first-order predicate logic with quantifiers, concluding with practical applications to legal evidentiary structures and scientific hypothesis testing.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of PHIL 205, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Informal and Formal Arguments: Identify argument structures in ordinary language, differentiate deductive validity from inductive strength, and diagnose informal logical fallacies.
2. Evaluate Arguments Using Truth Tables: Translate English statements into truth-functional propositional formulas and construct direct and indirect truth tables to assess validity and consistency.
3. Construct Natural Deduction Proofs: Execute formal syntactic derivations in propositional logic using eighteen rules of inference and replacement, conditional proof, and indirect proof.
4. Formalize Predicate Logic: Translate complex categorical propositions and relational claims into first-order predicate logic with universal and existential quantifiers.
5. Apply Formal Logic to Law and Science: Utilize formal logical methods to evaluate legal statutory interpretation, constitutional argumentation, and hypothetical-deductive scientific confirmation.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Patrick J. Hurley and Lori Watson. A Concise Introduction to Logic. 13th ed., Cengage Learning, 2018. Approx. $55 digital rental, $110 print purchase.
2. Alkimi Logic Practice Workbook and Proof Verification Tools. Free digital proof-checking software access on Canvas.
3. Total estimated cost: $55 to $110.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 1: AI Not Permitted for Graded Work)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), PHIL 205 operates under AI Level 1.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to look up historical definitions of informal logical fallacies or review typographical conventions for formal logic symbols.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to solve translation problems, construct truth tables, compute natural deduction proofs, or answer examination and quiz questions.
• Disclosure: All submitted logic problem sets must include an academic integrity declaration certifying: 'I certify that all formal derivations, proofs, and truth tables were constructed independently without AI tools.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Examination 1: 20% (In class, Thursday, September 24)
• Midterm Examination 2: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 29)
• Formal Logic Problem Sets: 25% (Ten weekly formal logic problem sets submitted via Canvas on Fridays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest two dropped)
• In-Class Deduction Quizzes: 10% (Short weekly proof and translation checks completed in class during Thursday sessions)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 25% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in PHIL 205. Thorough engagement with the weekly homework problem sets is the key to success.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Mastery of formal symbolic logic requires active, regular in-class practice and guided proof construction in Lovell Hall 140. Attendance is required at all lecture sessions. If you cannot attend due to illness or official university business, contact Dr. Walsh in advance and review the online proof walkthroughs on Canvas. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Weekly formal logic problem sets submitted late lose 10% per calendar day and will not be accepted after three days past the deadline. In-class deduction quizzes cannot be made up unless an excused absence has been approved in writing.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).