Logic & Philosophy of Science

Course Description


Course:  LPS/Phil 246
Name:  Philosophy of Logic
Description:  Our goal over these two quarters is to think through a series of possible positions on the nature of logical truth.  We will focus on the most fundamental questions:  what is the ground of logical truth? (what makes logical truths true?), and how do we come to know these truths?  I have in mind here the simplest of logical truths -- if it’s either red or green and it’s not red, then it must be green -- or the simplest of logical validities -- any situation in which all men are mortal and Socrates is a man is a situation in which Socrates is mortal.

The default requirement for those taking the course for a grade is three short papers (750-1250 words) due at the beginning of class in the 4th week, 7th week, and 10th week.  (Each paper should isolate one localized point in the readings and offer some analysis and/or critique.) Other options are open to negotiation.

Please click on the link below to view a draft syllabus for this course:
Syllabus