SP24-SC224-PHL311-01-9:30AM

Formal Logic, PHL 311 (MWF), Spring, 2024

Syllabus – Formal Logic, PHL-311 (MWF), Spring, 2024, Prof. Michael Kagan, last updated 12/27/2023.

Zoom, Office Hours, and contact information 

Class meetings MWF as scheduled.  Right now, the plan is to meet in person.  
We are now (12/25/2023) scheduled to meet in SC 224 (Please remember to check schedule for room changes at the beginning of the semester!)

Office hours via zoom - TU &  TH– 1:10-1:55pm, and by appointment.

Tel:315-445-4489 - Campus voice mail - you should receive a reply within a few days.

Email:kagan@lemoyne.edu - You should receive a reply within a day or so (not including weekends).

Le Moyne College website

  and some materials for logic

The course will focus on the development of the ability to analyze and criticize arguments and attempts at persuasion, including those of philosophers using the language and techniques of modern symbolic logic ("formal logic").

 

REQUIRED TEXTS

W.V. Quine's Methods of Logic, fourth edition (ML)

METHOD

In order to accomplish this goal, we will proceed through discussion and exercises originating in the lecture and reading material, homework, quizzes, and an optional final.

EVALUATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Homework/exercises, participation [50%];
2. 2 quizzes and optional (for those who have taken both quizzes) final [50%]
    - the optional final counts as 2 quizzes

SPECIAL NEEDS

In coordination with the Academic Support Center (ASC) and Disability Support Services, reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please register with the ASC Office for disability verification and determination of reasonable accommodations. After receiving your accommodation form from the ASC, you will need to make an appointment with me to review the form and discuss your needs. Please make every attempt to meet with me within the first week of class so your accommodations can be provided in a timely manner. You can either stop by the ASC, Library, 1st floor, or call (445-4118-voice or 445-4104-TDD) to make an appointment.

A copy of a recent Le Moyne College COVID-19 Syllabus Statement and the Le Moyne College Student Support Statements (4/21/21) is found below the course schedule in the links and other important information section.

IMPORTANT DATES:
    

If you miss class for any obligation or religious observance throughout the semester, please let me know (so it gets recorded as an excused absence).

Wed., Feb. 28 - 1st quiz given. Mon., Apr. 13 - 2nd quiz given.

May 6, Mon., Last day of classes

No classes or office hours on the following dates:
Wed., Feb. 21, Wellness Day-No classes.
March 11-15, Mon.-Fri.- Spring break
March 28 - April 1, Thurs. - Mon. - Easter Weekend Break

Tues., Jan. 30 -  Last day to drop a class with no grade. Last day for Pass/Fail option.  Quiz 1 -  Wed., Feb 28.  Friday, April 12 - Last day to withdraw from a class with a “W” grade. Quiz 2 - Mon.,  Apr.  15.   Last day of class: Monday, May 6.  

Optional (for those who have completed both quizzes) Final exam - TBD.     

Link to the 2023-2024 Le Moyne College  academic calendar

CLOSINGS/CANCELLATIONS AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF THIS COURSE

This semester (Spring 2024) the plan is to start meeting synchronously in person.  If we end up using Zoom again, please check your email and Canvas for information and the links to the Zoom sessions. I will attempt to record the lectures for student use.

When campus/dorms are closed due to flu or other circumstances, my intent is that the course continue. Assignments continue to be due electronically (if Canvas is down, email to kagan@lemoyne.eduLinks to an external site. may still work). Presentations will be replaced by papers, virtual presentations, or extended descriptions of presentations. In addition to notes and group work already available there on-line, I will post updates, lecture notes, etc., to Canvas and to my Le Moyne College website at http://web.lemoyne.edu/~kagan/index.html.

As at other times, if your situation results in your needing an extension, please let me know. Also, if internet service is down or there are other infrastructure problems, please complete the assignments and turn them in when services are restored.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS:

• Weeks of Wed., Jan. 17  &  Mon., Jan 22 -  Read ML, pp. 1-26.  Do the exercises on p. 15-16: 1-4; p. 20: 1-2.    p. 26: 1-2. Compare your answers to those in the back of the book [p. 305 ff.]. 
• Weeks of 1/29 & 2/5 -  ML, pp. 27-30, pp. 33-38. Do exercises p. 32: 1-4.  pp.  40:1-4.
• Week of 2/12  & 2/19 -  ML, pp. 40-52. Do exercises on p. 45: 1 & 3; p. 52: 2, 3, 5, & 7. On pp. 49 ff., ML makes much of the distinction between use and mention. How might one abuse this distinction fallaciously?
  Wed., Feb. 21, Wellness Day-No classes.
• Week of 2/26 -  Read ML, pp. 53-60.      Do exercises on pp. 59-60; 1, 2, & 4.
  Quiz 1 -  Wed., Feb 28.
  
• Week of 3/4 -  Read ML, pp. 60-74.     Do exercises p. 67: 2, 3, 4, & 5.  p. 74: 1.
• March 11-15, Mon.-Fri.- Spring break 
• Weeks of 3/18 & 3/25 -  Read ML, pp. 93-113. Do exercises p. 97:1, 101:1, 108: 1-3.   p.  113: 1.
  March 28 - April 1, Thurs. - Mon. - Easter Weekend Break
• Week of 4/3 -  Read ML, pp. 128-141.   Do exercises p. 141: 1-3.
• Weeks of 4/8 & 4/15 -  Read ML, pp. 142-154. Do exercises on pp. 147-148: 1-3.    154: 2 & 4.
  Quiz 2 - Mon.,  Apr.  15.
  

 

Chapters 25 and 26 (pp. 155-163), and chapters 28 & 29 ( pp 175-189), and the homework assignments from them are optional. 

 

The syllabus for the rest of the semester follows

• Weeks of 4/22,  4/29,  & 5/6  Read ML Ch 27 , 167-174. Do exercises pp. 173-174: 2, 3, 5 & 7 (You may use the "equals sign").
  Read ML, pp. 190-203.  Do exercises, p. 202-203: 2, 3, & 4. Present limitations and informal logic. Last day of class

TBA  - Optional (for those who have completed both quizzes) Final exam.

 

 

SOME OF THIS PAGE'S LINKS and other important information:

Materials for Logic

Kagan's homepage

Link to the 2023-2024 Le Moyne College  academic calendar

 

Le Moyne College

COVID-19 Syllabus Statement

Spring 2024

 

Overview. The following information describes the health and safety guidelines for in-person classes and classrooms, which are subject to change¹. The College may adjust health and safety protocols pending prevalence of the COVID-19 virus and its transmissibility on campus, in Onondaga County, and/or the State of New York. Please note, given the continuing dynamic nature of the coronavirus, all students, faculty, and staff are expected to monitor campus email announcements for policy updates.

 

Summary of Key Classroom Health and Safety Protocols:

1. All eligible undergraduate and graduate students together with faculty, staff, and administrators are highly encouraged and recommended to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
2. No one should attend class if feeling ill.
3. Individuals exposed to someone with COVID-19 or who tests positive for COVID-19 are expected to follow CDC face covering and isolation guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.htmlLinks to an external site.).

 

Hospital Admission Levels. Since many people are believed to have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both, the CDC now monitors levels of viral transmission of the coronavirus by tracking hospital admission levels for each county and state. Hospital admission levels are classified as low, medium, or high. For each hospital admission level, the CDC further provides prevention steps that each individual can take based on a county’s hospital admission level and an individual’s personal risk factors. Additionally, the CDC continues to recommend that individuals regardless of vaccination status may choose to wear a face covering at any time regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated. As a caring community, the College respects and supports individuals who choose to wear face coverings.

 

College Face Covering Requirement. As we enter the winter months, the CDC COVID-19 hospital admission level is high in Onondaga County with cases of the flu and RSV on the rise. Within the aforementioned context, the face covering requirement for the college community is as follows. At this time, with the exception of the following circumstances, face coverings are optional on campus. However, appropriate² face coverings are required to be properly worn (i.e., covering both mouth and nose) by all persons, regardless of vaccination status, until further notice,

 

In the following circumstances:

1. Any individual who is experiencing new or different symptoms.
2. Any individual who was exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 10-days should wear an appropriate² and well-fitting face covering around others on campus, at home and in public for 10-days (where day 0 is the last day of exposure).
3. Any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, who has completed five days of isolation and has been fever-free for at least 24-hours should wear an appropriate² and well-fitting face covering around others on campus, at home and in public through day 10 (where day 0 is the day symptoms started or the day when tested positive if asymptomatic). However, an individual with two sequential negative antigen tests taken 48-hours apart, may remove their face covering sooner than day 10.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters. As part of the College’s strategy to reduce the risk of transmission and serious illness, Le Moyne highly encourages and recommends that all eligible undergraduate and graduate students (together with faculty, staff, and administrators) remain up to dateLinks to an external site. on their COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Approved Student Absences from Class. Students are expected to attend classes in-person as scheduled and require appropriate approval to be excused from in-person classes. Students may be excused from attending in-person classes for short-term absences due to illness such as colds or the flu, accidents, or quarantine/isolation from a confirmed COVID infection. Students who must miss class for illness should follow the Policy on Student Absenteeism in the Event of Illness or Accident, which stipulates the following. If illness or injury requires more than three consecutive days of hospital or home care, Health Services needs to be informed [(315) 445-4440]. If the student has been treated by a doctor off campus, some documentation from that office will be expected. Health Services will then notify the Registrar who will inform the student’s instructors, advisor, and the appropriate academic dean. “It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her instructors, as soon as possible, to explain the absence and make arrangements for the completion of missed work or tests.”

 

COVID-19 Symptoms. Regardless of vaccination status, students who are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms must not attend class and are encouraged to contact the Student Health Center [healthservices@lemoyne.edu, (315) 445-4440] or their primary medical provider. COVID-19-related symptoms may include one or some combination of the following:

 

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

 

Responsibility to the Le Moyne Community. Finally, in keeping with our values as a Jesuit college, each member of the community is expected to act honestly and ethically regarding any experienced COVID-19-related symptoms. Further, each member of the community is expected to take care of not only their own health, but to be mindful of the health of others and to avoid actions that may jeopardize the health and welfare of those we learn, work, and live with at the College. A well-informed and attentive community better protects the vulnerable amongst us and loved ones at home. 

_______________________________________________________________

[1] The College’s policies remain subject to public health orders issued by the Onondaga County Health Department and New York State Department of Health, and will be adjusted if directed by public health authorities.

 

2 Appropriate and recommended face coverings include N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators, surgical masks, and face coverings made of at least two layers of cloth. Above all else, a snug fit (no gaps, wired nose bridge, adjustable ear loops), offers the best protection to the user and the community. Most importantly, face coverings with an exhalation/release valve, single-layer gaiter-style neck fleeces, and bandanas should NOT be worn on campus.

 

----------------------------------------------

Student Support Statements

 

Students are encouraged to speak up, be engaged, and participate in class. Classes will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. We may not share the same views on some topics, but we converse in a respectful manner. Le College is a zero-tolerance campus.

 

9. ACADEMIC STANDARDS:  Students are expected to observe at all times the highest ethical standards as members of the academic community.  Any form of dishonesty makes a student liable to severe sanctions, including expulsion from the College.  For details see the Community Standards section of the Student Handbook.

 

10. BIAS-RELATED INCIDENTS:  Le Moyne College defines a bias-related incident as behavior that constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the targeted person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, or disability.  Bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to, non-threatening name calling and using degrading language or slurs that are directed toward a person because of his or her membership or perceived membership in a protected class and that create a hostile environment for that person. 

 

Students who believe they have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to report the incident. Please refer to Le Moyne’s Bias-Related Incident Reporting webpage to submit a report and for further information.

 

11. OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:  Students who are unable to attend class, participate in any examination, study or classwork requirements on a particular day because of his or her religious beliefs are eligible for an equivalent opportunity to make up any missed examination, study, or classwork requirement, without penalties or additional fees.  Students who require such an opportunity must contact their instructor at least two weeks in advance.  A full copy of the College’s policy on the observance of religious holidays can be found in the deans’ offices. 

 

12. SPECIAL NEEDS: Your access in this course is important.  Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss your specific needs.  You should also meet with someone from Disability Support Services (DSS) about your disability and accommodation needs.  The DSS office is located on the first floor of the library (315-445-4118; dss@lemoyne.edu).  This should take place within the first 2 weeks of the semester.

 

13. TITLE IX:  Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against, or involved in sexual violence should contact the Title IX Coordinator (315-445-4278) for information about campus resources and support services, including confidential counseling services.

 

Le Moyne faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our students and we are available to discuss your concerns.  As faculty, we are obligated to share information with the College’s Title IX coordinator to help ensure that the student’s safety and welfare are being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law.  These disclosures include, but are not limited to, reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

 

Please refer to Le Moyne's Sexual Misconduct Resources webpage for contact information and further details.

 

14.  STUDENTS WITH PERSONAL/MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS: Students who encounter personal problems of any kind, especially problems that might affect their academic performance, are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center for Health and Counseling (https://www.lemoyne.edu/Student-Life/Student-Services/Wellness-Center). The Center is located on the 2nd floor of Seton Hall; appointments may be arranged by phone at 445-4195 or e-mail at counselingservices@lemoyne.edu. The Center provides both individual and group counseling on a strictly confidential basis. The Counseling staff is also available on an emergency basis.

 

15. TUTORING:  Tutoring is located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the library, to the right of the art gallery.  It is open M-Th 10am-9pm, F 10am-4pm, and Sun 3pm-9pm.  Peer tutors are available for most subjects.  To sign up, go to the Student Success CenterLinks to an external site.Links to an external site. webpage to create an account and log in to select the current semester’s schedule.  If you need tutoring for a subject not listed, please email tutoring@lemoyne.edu.  Tutoring is free for all students and is available from the second week of classes through the last day of classes.

 

16.     WRITING CENTER: Writing well is difficult. One of the best ways to become a better writer is to talk with other, smart writers about your work. Le Moyne’s Writing Center provides you with just such a resource. Whether you’re getting started, drafting paragraphs, revising ideas, or proofreading, you can make an appointment to meet face-to-face or online with a writing tutor to talk about any academic or professional writing assignment. More information, including the Writing Center’s hours, are available on the Writing Center’s webpage. You can sign up for an appointment through WCOnlineLinks to an external site.Links to an external site. or email writingcenter@lemoyne.eduLinks to an external site. with any questions.

 

17.  QUANTITATIVE REASONING CENTER:  The QRC supports students taking courses that require numerical manipulation and/or analysis.  We offer collaborative tutoring (clinics) with trained peer tutors for course content and we can help you develop learning strategies for these subjects as well.  You can find our schedule at lemoyne.edu/qrc or email qrc@lemoyne.eduLinks to an external site. with any questions.

 

18. CAREER ADVISING AND DEVELOPMENT: It’s never too early to think about your career path. Your future is worth the investment of time and effort! We understand that each Dolphin is unique, and we work to develop a personalized plan that encompasses one's passions, skills and opportunities. Whether it’s choosing a major, deciding what to do with the major you’ve got, finding an internship, or landing a job, we have resources and expertise to help.  www.lemoyne.edu/careers

 

19. NOREEN REALE FALCONE LIBRARY: The Library offers the space, the valuable resources and the people to support you in your research here at Le Moyne, both in person and online. For more information about Library resources, or to find your Subject Librarian visit the Le Moyne Library Online. You can ask a librarian a question at any time by visiting  Ask Us By Chat.