Critical Reasoning
Philosophy 115A
Spring 2005;
5.0 Credits
M-F
Instructor:
Mark Storey
(425) 564-2118,
Office Hours: Mon-Fri
Course Description:
Philosophy 115 introduces the
nature and structure of argument patterns. Successful students will learn the
difference between deductive and inductive reasoning, and how to assess the
strengths and weaknesses of each. Topics include validity and soundness,
strength and cogency, definitions, informal fallacies,
Venn diagrams, reasoning with categorical propositions, arguments from analogy,
causal arguments, probability calculations, statistical reasoning, and hypothetical
reasoning. Although there are no official prerequisites for Philosophy 115, it
is expected that students can read, write, and handle basic mathematical
calculations with fractions. The use of calculators is acceptable.
Critical reasoning plays an
important part in any rational person’s life. When you argue for a position at
work, at home, at school, or in the political arena, you need to provide good
reason that others should believe you are right. Moreover, you will often need
to be able to determine whether someone else’s arguments are good or bad. A
primary value of critical reasoning is thus in sorting out the good arguments
from the bad. Philosophy 115 emphasizes this aspect of critical reasoning, and
looks at a wide variety of reasoning techniques to do so.
This class fulfills a
requirement for either Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning or Humanities for an
Associate in Arts & Sciences degree at BCC.
Required Course Text:
Patrick Hurley, A Concise Introduction to Logic, 8th
edition, Wadsworth/Thomson
Course Requirements:
Four in-class tests: 1/6
course grade each
Two take-home essay
assignments: 1/6 of course grade each
Regular class attendance
·
ten absences for
any reason results in a failing course grade
·
five absences for
any reason lowers a course grade 1.0 GPA points
Read www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/policy.html
Find handouts at www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/materials/
Grading Policy:
Tests will not be given early
or late. There are no make-up tests. Students must plan their personal and work
schedules with test dates in mind. If a student has a serious illness or a death
in the immediate family that is verified, then the instructor may—if he deems
it appropriate—assign a different exam (e.g., of an essay style). See Part 8 of
the “Student Procedures and Expectations” document at www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/policy.html.
Late essays will be penalized
0.2 GPA grade points if turned in late the day it is due. They will be
penalized 0.5 GPA grade points if turned in one day late,
and an additional 0.2 GPA grade points for each day late thereafter (including
weekends and holidays). The instructor does not accept essays via email, unless
specifically so directed.
The instructor does not give
Hardship Withdrawals or Incompletes to salvage students’ GPAs or to maintain
their financial aid. The course is designed so that all students may do well,
but if for some reason (and there are many good reasons in our busy lives) you
stop coming to class, then you should quickly contact
the Registration Office and officially withdraw from the class. Otherwise you
will receive a course grade (A-F) based on the course work you did and did not
complete. This often results in a failing grade. It is your responsibility to
find out the last day in which you may drop a class.
Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with
the Director of Disability Support Services (room B132-G; 425-564-2498 or TTY
425-564-4110) to establish their eligibility for accommodation. The DSS office
will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter. Students who
require accommodation in class should review the DSS accommodation letter with
the instructor during the first week of the quarter.
For information on BCC’s Philosophy Tutorial Program and other Philosophy classes, visit the
Philosophy Department’s Web site at: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/philosophy/
References below are to
chapter sections of Patrick Hurley’s A
Concise Introduction to Logic. Sections in the interactive CD accompany
Hurley’s main text.
Week One (April 4-8):
1.1, 1.3, 1.4
Week Two (April
11-15): 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
Week Three (April
18-22): TEST, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3,
3.4
Week Four (April
25-29): 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, 5.2, Essay due April 29
Week Five (May 2-6):
4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
Week Six (May 9-13):
TEST, 9.1 (No class Tuesday)
Week Seven (May 16-20):
9.3
Week Eight (May
23-27): 9.3, TEST
Week Nine (May
30-June 3): (No class Monday) 9.2
Week Ten (June
6-10): 9.2, 9.4
Week Eleven (June
13-17): 9.5, TEST, Essay due
June 14
PHIL 115 test dates: April 18,
May 9, May 27, and June 14 (same room, same time)
Essay due dates: April 29 and
June 14, in class