Module: Reason Argument Analysis Introduction to Logic

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Reason Argument Analysis Introduction to Logic
Module Code	TP135 (ITS) / PHE1043 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module aims to equip students with the tools and skills needed to spot good reasoning and avoid common argumentative mistakes, to critically evaluate philosophical and non-philosophical texts, and to make claims in a more rigorous and precise way. Students will learn to identify fallacies, evaluate ambiguous sentences, and understand the nature of valid arguments, consistent beliefs, and contradictions. The module will also explore the concepts of deduction, induction, and inference, before focussing on the concept of truth (self-evident, necessary, and contingent). Students will also consider the distinction between analytic and synthetic statements, and between a priori and a posteriori knowledge. To understand what is both philosophically and practically at stake in these discussions, the module will critically engage with important historical texts by Leibniz, Hume, and Kant.

Learning Outcomes

1. comprehend the core concepts of critical reasoning, logic, and theories of truth;
2. construct arguments in ordinary language and basic formal language;
3. collect, synthesise, and communicate information relating to logical and critical thinking;
4. apply knowledge of logic and critical reasoning to the evaluation and analysis of arguments;
5. communicate philosophical analyses clearly and competently and develop the skills of critical thinking needed for research in philosophy and academic study in general;
6. synthesize a variety of concepts and ideas into a coherent overview of the general field of study.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

A.J.Ayer: 1946, Language, Truth, and Logic, London,
Tracey Bowell & Gary Kemp: 2010, Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide, 3rd, London,
Harry Gensler: 2016, Introduction to Logic, 3rd, London,
David Hume: 1999, Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Oxford,
Ernest Lepore: 2000, Meaning and Argument, Oxford,
Graham Priest: 2000, Logic: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford,

Other Resources

None