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Course Description

Summary

Formal logic is the study of the structure of reasoning itself—how arguments are built, when they succeed, and why they fail. In an age of information overload, knowing how to dissect an argument, detect reasoning errors, and construct rigorous proofs is a superpower. This course introduces the foundations of formal logic, with an emphasis on precision, clarity, and critical thinking tools. From everyday statements to abstract puzzles, you will learn how to translate ideas into symbolic form and test their validity.

Over the term, you will explore key concepts such as counterexamples and proofs.  You will engage with classic paradoxes.  You will learn the difference between semantic truth and syntactic rules.  No prior experience in mathematics, philosophy, or computer science is required—just a curiosity about how reasoning works at its most fundamental level. By the end of the course, you will be equipped not only to analyze logical arguments but to appreciate the deep structure underlying all rational discourse.

Please note: this course will be held from June 30-August 15. Students will be registered for this course in the fall term, and a culminating work will be expected in the fall term. 

This course will appear on your fall schedule and your fall tuition will cover the cost of the course. (However, students who complete the course but do not, for whatever reason, enroll in the fall 2025 term will be billed for the course based on the per credit tuition fee ($2827). Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits (inclusive of this course) for the fall term.