LES 1: Introduction to Philosophy & Logic

Philosophy

Is the systematic study of general and fundamental questions concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language

Philosophy

Involves critical analysis and the pursuit of wisdom, aiming to make coherent sense of the world and our place within it

1. Metaphysics

2. Epistemology

3. Ethics

4. Aesthetics

5. Logic

5 Components of Philosophy

Metaphysics

One of the components of philosophy

Examines the nature of reality including concepts like beings, existence, and causality

Epistemology

One of the components of philosophy

Studies the nature and scope of knowledge and belief

Ethics

One of the components of philosophy

Explores moral values, principles, and questions of right and wrong

Aesthetics

One of the components of philosophy

Concerns the nature of beauty, art, and taste

Logic

One of the components of philosophy

Investigates the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation

reasoning

A traditional view posits that humans are distinct from animals due to their capacity for ___.

Rationality

Involves reasoning activities, like making claims with reasons, drawing inferences, and acting based on beliefs

Logic

What is the discipline that differentiates good reasoning from bad?

Good Reasoning

Reasoning that aligns with logical rules and correctness

Bad Reasoning

Reasoning that may still be effective or persuasive but lacks logical correctness

Hitler’s arguments were effective but logically flawed, relying on emotional manipulation and unsupported assertions.

Example of Bad Reasoning

Develops precise rules and methods to evaluate reasoning

What is the function of logic?

logical systems

Logic as a tool studies various reasoning types, creating ___ ___ to differentiate correct and incorrect reasoning.

1. Propositions

2. Arguments

2 Key Concepts in Reasoning

Propositions

One of the key concepts in reasoning

Statements that can be true or false, expressed through declarative sentences

1. Factual (“The earth revolves around the sun”)

2. Metaphysical Theses (“Reality is an unchanging, featureless, unified Absolute)

3. Morality Claims (“It is wrong to eat meat”)

What are considered propositions?

1. Interrogative sentences (“Is it raining?”)

2. Imperative sentences (“Don’t drink kerosene”)

What are not considered propositions?

Argument

A set of propositions, where premises support a conclusion

Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.

PRACTICE:

What conclusion can be made using the following premises:

Premise 1: All men are mortal.

Premise 2: Socrates is a man.

Good Argument

Argument in which premises genuinely support the conclusion

Bad Argument

Argument in which premises fail to support the conclusion

Conclusion: Regular exercise can help one live a longer life.

PRACTICE:

What conclusion can be made using the following premises:

Premise 1: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.

Premise 2: Cardiovascular health is a key factor in living a longer life.

Logical Fallacy, “Affirming the Consequent”

(since argument assumes no other possible causes for the wet ground)

What problem is present in the following example:

Premise 1: If it rains, the ground gets wet.

Premise 2: The ground is wet.

Conclusion: Therefore, it must have rained

Philosophers use logic to evaluate arguments and refine debates on metaphysics, ethics, and justice.

How do philosophers use logic?

20th Century

What century was logic developed?

Logical systems reveal new approaches to understanding natural language and metaphysical claims.

How has logic transformed philosophical inquiry, especially regarding language?

Philosophy of Logic

Addresses deeper questions about logic itself

Bivalence Principle (every proposition is either true or false)

What principle do issues like vagueness in terms (ex: bald) challenge?

Non-Bivalent Logic

Introduce additional truth values or degrees of truth to handle vague terms

mathematics, computer science, and linguistics

Fields like ___, ___ ___, and ___ use logical methods for proofs, programming, and modeling language.

deductive reasoning

Mathematicians use ___ ___ to prove theorems.

1. Equips individuals with tools to evaluate reasoning in any discipline

2. Provides insight into the nature of arguments and their broader implications

What are 2 purposes of studying logic?