MAT40L: Introduction to Symbolic Logic

The study of logic is at the crossroads of mathematics and philosophy, in which we identify principles underlying the ability to reason. Furthermore, logic aids us in determining the ideal ways in which reasoning should occur. Symbolic logic is the branch of logic that helps us reason through the use of a formal language consisting of abstract symbols. Using symbolic notation provides us with a precise and efficient method to reason through a set of premises in order to reach a conclusion. This one-term course will provide students with a strong foundation and working proficiency with logical argument and reasoning. Students will learn how to form deductively valid propositions, arguments, and conclusions, as well as how to translate English sentences into symbolic notation and correctly interpret the meaning of the symbolic notation. Topics will include truth tables, truth trees, rules of inference, conditional proof, propositional logic, and predicate logic, among others.