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Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to mathematical logic: the study of formal languages and their mathematical properties. The first part of the unit focuses on classical first-order logic and its metatheory: we discuss the interpretation of first-order logic and how to construct proofs within it. We then show that any such proof yields a valid argument (soundness) and that there is a proof for every valid argument (completeness). The rest of the unit discusses some more advanced topics in logic. These may include non-classical logics (e.g., modal logics, multi-valued logics, fuzzy logics, intuitionist logics, relevance logics, second-order logic), model-theoretic features of first-order logic (e.g., the compactness and Löwenheim-Skolem theorems), as well as an introduction to computability, recursion, and Gödel's incompleteness theorems.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Philosophy major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of complex philosophical or mathematical arguments and positions; (2) evaluate complex philosophical or mathematical positions and arguments; (3) weigh the virtues and vices of competing philosophical doctrines; (4) construct persuasive philosophical arguments or mathematical proofs concerning issues of logic; (5) translate natural language arguments into one or more of the logics discussed in the unit; (6) establish the validity of arguments using semantic and/or syntactic methods; and (7) understand the algebraic foundations of the various logics discussed in the unit.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) exam; (2) tests; and (3) problem sets. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
Any level 2 PHIL unit
or any level 2 MATH unit
or any level 2 STAT unit
or any level 2 CITS unit
or PPHE2211
Advisable prior study
PHIL2002 Logic: How to Defeat Your Foes with Reasoning
or PHIL1002 Introduction to Critical Thinking
or CITS2211 Discrete Structures
Contact hours
lectures and tutorials: up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.