PHIL 125

PHIL 125: Practical Logic
Instructor: Hassan Masoud

Course Description

This is a course on practical logic which may also be called ‘informal logic’ or ‘critical thinking’. The focus is on the elementary methods and principles for analyzing and evaluating reasoning as it occurs in everyday contexts. Topics include an analysis of arguments, informal fallacies, introduction to scientific method, elementary statistical reasoning, elementary sentential logic, as well as the study of argument in contemporary debates about issues of social concern.

Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the term, you would have a clear understanding of:

• The basic concepts required for critical thinking, such as statement, argument, premise, conclusion, opinion, evidence, etc.
• Some philosophical notions referring to different worldviews such as realism, skepticism, relativism
• Deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as scientific reasoning
• How critical thinking matters in the areas of health, ethics, and law
• Different sources of beliefs such as personal experience, news and media, and advertisement.

And, you would be able to:

• Express your opinion more clearly and analyze it more critically
• Extract arguments from non-argumentative texts, news articles, documentaries, and everyday conversations 
• Have fruitful discussions with others about your thought and their opinions using techniques of critical thinking
• Assess the quality of various types of reasoning
• Detect fallacies penetrating arguments intentionally or unintentionally.