Logic and Academic Argumentation

Bachelor 2023/2024

Type: Compulsory course (International Program 'International Relations and Global Studies')

Area of studies: International Relations

Delivered by: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Anastasiia Makareva

Language: English

ECTS credits: 4

Contact hours: 28

Full Syllabus

Abstract

Any studies require a clear and comprenehsive understanding of logic and reasoning. The study of formal logic aims at ameliorating student critical thinking and teaches them how to make reasonable and plausible judgements. In simple words, logic is about what inferences are valid in making our arguments, which can be applied not only to the research work but also to a daily life. During the course we’ll cover basic premises of logic, validity and syllogisms, work with the narrative of logic and how it translates to natural language, as well as master critical thinking and decision making in complex systems. Students will learn how to construct formal proofs, work with truth tables and infer statements from them, as well as design and interpret algorithms.

Learning Objectives

The objective of this course is to comprehend basic logical notions such as validity, consequence, consistency, and contradiction. We would also work with translation from natural language to symbolic logic, learn to construct formally correct arguments (e.g., in terms of validity). Among other objectives is comprehending the metalogic notions of soundness, as well as operation of algorithms for deciding the validity or consistency of logical formulas.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Ability to solve problems in professional practice based on analysis and synthesis
Analyse and synthesise information;

Course Contents

Analysis and Synthesis in System(s) Thinking
Basics of Logic and Arguments
Laws of Thought, Boolean Logic

Assessment Elements

Quiz
Regular in-class closed book quizzes aimed at practicing spaced repetition of the concepts studied during the course. This would help to enable continuous repetition of the material, which, in turn would enhance long-term memorization and retrieval.
In-class participation
Student in-class participation and engagement assessed on a 5-point scale.
Essay
A 1000-word essay (topics TBA or free of choice within the framework of core curriculum).
Final Test

Interim Assessment

2023/2024 2nd module
0.2 * Essay + 0.4 * Final Test + 0.15 * In-class participation + 0.15 * In-class participation + 0.05 * Quiz + 0.05 * Quiz

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Daniel, K. (2016). Heuristics and Biases. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781316422250.038
Gensler, Harry J. Introduction to Logic, Taylor & Francis Group, 2010.
Gigerenzer, G., & Gaissmaier, W. (2011). Heuristic decision making. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.31568410
Huber, F. (2019). A Logical Introduction to Probability and Induction. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1944071
J. Mark Weber, Joseph L. Rotman, Shirli Kopelman, & David M. Messick. (2004). A conceptual review of decision making in social dilemmas: Applying a logic of appropriateness. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.C4905B04
Kahneman, D., Griffin, D. W., & Gilovich, T. (2002). Heuristics and Biases : The Psychology of Intuitive Judgement. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge eText. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=510941
Logic : a very short introduction, Priest, G., 2000
Logic : an introduction, Restall, G., 2008
Logic and the basis of ethics, Prior, A. N., 2003
Mikołajek-Gocejna, M. (2017). Heuristic : Psychological Aspects of Decision-Making on Capital Market / Heurystyki : psychologiczne aspekty podejmowania decyzji na rynku kapitałowym. Finanse, Rynki Finansowe, Ubezpieczenia, (5), 143. https://doi.org/10.18276/frfu.2017.89/2-11
Логика : учеб. пособие в структурно-логических схемах и таблицах, Грядовой, Д. И., 1999
Логика : учеб. пособие для вузов, Светлов, В. А., 2011

Recommended Additional Bibliography

A concise introduction to logic, Hurley, P.J., 2015
A concise introduction to logic, Hurley, P.J., 2017
Morvan, C., & J. Jenkins, W. (2017). Judgment Under Uncertainty : Heuristics and Biases. Milton: Macat Library. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1552188

Course Syllabus