Module: Reason Argument Analysis Introduction to Logic

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Reason Argument Analysis Introduction to Logic
Module Code	PHE1017 (ITS: TP155)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20872	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask	Module Teacher	Peter Larsen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Logic Explained
syllogism; various fallacies; historical issues in logic

Indicative Reading List

Books:

A.J.Ayer: 1946, Language, Truth and Logic, London,
Tracey Bowell & Gary Kemp: 2010, Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide, 3rd Ed, London,
Graham Priest: 2000, Logic: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford,
E.Lepore: 2000, Meaning and Argument, Oxford,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None