Logic: Foundations of Structured Thought

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the discipline of formal logic, equipping them with the mental tools to analyze, construct, and deconstruct arguments with precision and clarity. Logic is the cornerstone of all rigorous thinking — from philosophical discourse to algorithm design, from political strategy to ethical deliberation.

Students will develop the ability to reason under pressure, identify fallacies, and apply systematic thought to high-stakes scenarios. The goal is not only mental sharpness, but leadership under complexity.

What You’ll Learn

• Distinguish valid and invalid reasoning
• Construct arguments using formal structures
• Master symbolic logic, proofs, and truth tables
• Apply logic under pressure in real-world scenarios

Course Outline (Week by Week)

• Week 1: Introduction to Logic — types of reasoning, logic as a mental discipline
• Week 2: Argument Structure — premises, conclusions, validity, and soundness
• Week 3: Informal Fallacies — flaws in reasoning found in daily discourse
• Week 4: Propositional Logic — symbolic operators and truth-functional logic
• Week 5: Symbolic Logic — translation, equivalence, and contradiction
• Week 6: Predicate Logic — quantifiers and formal expressions of complex ideas
• Week 7: Logical Proofs — direct/indirect proofs and argument chains
• Week 8: Logic Under Pressure — simulations, debates, time-bound assessments

Grading & Assignments

• Weekly Problem Sets: Exercises in argument analysis, symbolic logic, and fallacies
• Midterm: Theory, formal analysis, and applied logic challenges
• Final Exam: Simulation-based reasoning and strategic application
• Lab Sessions: Timed drills, debates, and scenario breakdowns

Study Materials

Core Text: A Concise Introduction to Logic – Patrick Hurley

Recommended Open Resources:

• Open Logic Project
• forall x – Open Textbook in Formal Logic
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Logic
• Critical Thinking Web (University of Hong Kong)

Quick Logic Glossary