This course introduces, in a mostly informal yet rigorous way, the various forms of reasoning and the essential elements of correct argumentation. Students will acquire the ability to critically analyse the structure and the content of texts, and to present their own ideas clearly and accurately. Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the discussion and argument from a theoretical perspective. At the end of the course the student will acquire:
-) Ability to analyze and interpret philosophical texts;
-) Properties of language and argumentation;
-) Ability to contextualize the acquired knowledge in the Philosophical debate.
-) Ability to analyze and interpret philosophical texts;
-) Properties of language and argumentation;
-) Ability to contextualize the acquired knowledge in the Philosophical debate.
teacher profile teaching materials
There are no formal prerequisites. At most, a basic knowledge of logic, and an attitude towards conceptual analysis.
I.M. Copi and C. Cohen (et al.), Introduction to Logic, Routledge (any recent edition).
N. Warburton, Philosophy: the Basics, Routledge.
D. Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (any edition).
Programme
The first part of the course will be devoted to introducing the basic features of deductive logic, while the second part will focus on the various forms of non-deductive, in particular inductive and abductive, reasoning.There are no formal prerequisites. At most, a basic knowledge of logic, and an attitude towards conceptual analysis.
Core Documentation
All students, and in particular incoming Erasmus students, can use the following texts in English if they prefer to:I.M. Copi and C. Cohen (et al.), Introduction to Logic, Routledge (any recent edition).
N. Warburton, Philosophy: the Basics, Routledge.
D. Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (any edition).
Reference Bibliography
C. Howson, Logic with Trees. An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Routledge. H.V. Hansen and R.C. Pinto (eds.), Fallacies: Classical and Contemporary Readings, Penn State University Press. C. Howson, Hume's Problem. Induction and the Justification of Belief, Oxford University Press. D. Gillies, Philosophical Theories of Probability, Routledge.Type of delivery of the course
Traditional lectures.Attendance
Not compulsory but recommended.Type of evaluation
A final written examination, with 4-5 questions to be answered in around 90 minutes. If requested, especially by Erasmus students, the exam can be done in English. If considered appropriate by the lecturer, the examination may be oral in specific cases.