Deduction and Metalogic

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

LOG311 builds on LOG110 (Introduction to Formal Logic). The course offers an introduction to a natural deduction system for propositional and first-order predicate logic, both with and without identity. Furthermore, the course offers an introduction to formal semantics for predicate logic, which defines what it means to say that a predicate logic argument is valid. In addition, metalogic, which applies to properties of formal logical deduction systems, is a central theme of the subject.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the students should have good insight into natural deduction, and understand how natural deduction differs from the tree method. Furthermore, the students should understand what role interpretations play in the semantics of first-order predicate logic. The students should also be familiar with the central metalogical concepts.

Skills:

After completing the course, the students will master natural deduction in propositional and predicate logic with identity. Furthermore, they should be able to make interpretations and write proofs in metalogic as well as the tree method, both in propositional and predicate logic.

Competence:

The course provides the basis for further studies with a bachelor's degree with specialization in philosophy or cognitive science. The course can also be used as support for the study of other subjects, for example, linguistics, computer science, informatics and mathematics.

ECTS Credits

10

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor degree with 90 credits specializing in philosophy or equivalent.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English. The course requires prior knowledge in logic corresponding to LOG110 (Introduction to formal logic).
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
LOG311 overlaps with LOG111
Access to the Course
A condition for entry into this course is having been accepted for the Masters programme in philosophy.
Teaching and learning methods

The teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars.

If fewer than four students are registered, the number of lectures may be reduced. And we will offer individual small group teaching.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

An approval of mandatory work requirements is valid for three semesters including the semester for which the approval was given.

Students must provide written answers to 2 assignments during the semester. Deadlines are set by the institute. The answers must be approved in order to take the exam in the course.

Students must attend at least 75% of seminars. At the seminar the students will present solutions to assignments.

Forms of Assessment

Four-hour sit-in written examination with questions from various parts of the reading list.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

Grading Scale
Grading scale from A to F
Assessment Semester

Autumn / Spring

The compulsory work requirements must be approved before the examination can be taken in the course.

Reading List
The list of literature is available on uib.no on June 1st for the Fall semester and January 1st for the Spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Course evaluations hosted in accordance with UiB's quality assurance system.
Programme Committee
The teaching committee for the professional study in philosophy.
Course Administrator
Department of Philosophy