Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PHIL 1145: Logic

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 4/Mathematical/Logical Systems

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the systematic study of reasoning and argumentation. Students will learn how informal and formal logic can be used to evaluate the strength or validity of arguments, especially ones drawn from ordinary language. They will also develop the capacities to recognize common fallacies, and to apply the methods of logic to the problems of contemporary interest. While this course challenges students with abstract reasoning, the study of logic will demystify the underling structure of language, highlight abuses of reason, teach the values of critical reading, and suggest strategies for formulation coherent, well -reasoned writing.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Informal Logic
    1. Recognizing argument structure
    2. Deductive and inductive arguments
    3. Argument evaluation
    4. Common fallacies
  2. Categorical Logic
    1. Properties of categorical propositions
    2. Immediate inferences
  3. Propositional Logic
    1. Logical operators
    2. Translations
    3. Truth tables
    4. Proof methods in propositional logic
  4. Predicate Logic
  5. Translations
  6. Other material as appropriate
  7. One or more of the following topics:
  8. Argument diagrams
  9. Categorical syllogisms
  10. Proof methods in predicate logic
  11. Inductive logic
  12. Scientific reasoning
  13. Causal reasoning
  14. Moral and legal arguments
  15. History and philosophy of logic

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify and categorize arguments using the concepts of inductive and deductive logic.
  2. Formulate arguments using clear, unambiguous language
  3. Discriminate between fallacious and non-fallacious reasoning
  4. Explain the relevance of formal methods to real-world problems
  5. Represent ordinary language arguments in symbolic form.
  6. Appraise the soundness or cogency of arguments.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 4/Mathematical/Logical Systems

The student will be able to:

  1. Illustrate historical and contemporary applications of mathematics/logical systems.
  2. Clearly express mathematical/logical ideas in writing.
  3. Explain what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument (proof).

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None