Module description
The module covers core logical tools widely used in philosophical research. It covers classical logic, modal logic, and further extensions or revisions of classical logic such as quantified modal logic, free logic, many-valued logics, and/or higher-order logics. It discusses philosophical issues that motivate various logics, such as puzzles surrounding identity and opacity, conditionals, vagueness, and the nature of quantifiers.
Assessment details
Summative assessment: 1 x 2-hour exam (100%)
Formative assessment: weekly exercises
Educational aims & objectives
The module aims at giving students most of the logic they need to engage in philosophical research. This means learning how to apply logical techniques to philosophy but also being able to reflect on philosophical issues surrounding logic and its uses. The broader aim of the course is to learn how to think both rigorously and creatively. Compared with 5AANA016 Intermediate Logic, the module has less emphasis on metalogical techniques (completeness) that are important to foundational mathematics and logic, and more emphasis on logical tools such as modal logic that are applicable to other areas of philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology, language, ethics, …).
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students should:
- Master a range of central notions and problems of philosophical logic.
- Be familiar with a range of logics beyond classical logic including modal logic and understand their distinctive features.
- Be able to use these logics (establish validity, consistency, write formal proofs) and apply them to philosophically relevant issues.
- Be able to explore new logics and/or modify existing ones.
- Be able to critically discuss how philosophical problems motivate revisions and extensions of logic.
- Be able to engage productively with influential papers in philosophical logic.
The modules that run in each academic year are subject to change in line with staff availability and student demand, so there is no guarantee every module will run. Module descriptions and information may vary between years.
Teaching pattern
One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.
Suggested reading list
Core readings
- KCL Philosophical Logic textbook, provided with the course.
- MacFarlane (2021) Philosophical Logic: a contemporary introduction. London: Routledge.
- Ted Sider (2010) Logic for Philosophers.