This course is a thorough introduction to formal logic and is designed to both acquaint you with the elements of formal logic and equip you to teach formal logic to upper-school students. In our view, every classical educator should be familiar with the main elements of formal logic and how they apply to all learning. This course will provide that skill and also familiarize educators with this fundamental liberal art. In addition, you will learn from a veteran logic teacher and author of two logic books: Joelle Hodge.
This course carefully follows the book The Discovery of Deduction: An Introduction to Formal Logic. We highly recommend purchasing the text for reference throughout the course.
Instructional Hours: 20.33, CEU Credits: 3.39
This course follows the organizational theme of the book The Discovery of Deduction. We recommend The Art of Argument for those not yet familiar with the informal fallacies. You may also take a course on the logical fallacies (informal logic) right here on ClassicalU.
Here is the outline of the course:
- Course Introduction: Essentials of Formal Logic
- Lesson 1: Chapter 1.1 Formal vs. Informal Logic
- Lesson 2: Chapter 1.2 Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
- Lesson 3: Chapter 1.3 Categorical vs. Propositional Logic
- Lesson 4: Chapter 2.1 Part I: Aristotle Gets the Ball Rolling: Classical Origins and Medieval Recovery
- Lesson 5: Chapter 2.2 Part II: Aristotle Is Lost and Then Found: The Growth and Divergence of Modern Logic
- Lesson 6: Chapter 3.1 Thinking About Thinking: The Nature of Formal Logic
- Lesson 7: Chapter 3.2 The Three Acts of the Mind
- Lesson 8: Chapter 4.1 Introduction to Argument Translation
- Lesson 9: Chapter 4.2 Categorical Form Introduced
- Lesson 10: Chapter 4.3 Propositions
- Lesson 11: Chapter 4.4 Translating Arguments Step 1: Finding the Propositions
- Lesson 12: Chapter 4.5 Translating Arguments Step 2: Finding the Subject Term and the Predicate Term
- Lesson 13: Chapter 4.6 Translating Arguments Step 3: Affirmo and Nego
- Lesson 14: Chapter 4.7 Translating Arguments Step 4: Supply the Proper Quantifier
- Lesson 15: Chapter 4.8 Translating Arguments Step 5: Propositions Translated into Categorical Form
- Lesson 16: Chapter 5.1 Introduction to the Square of Opposition
- Lesson 17: Chapter 5.2 The Square of Opposition
- Lesson 18: Chapter 5.3 Contradiction
- Lesson 19: Chapter 5.4 Contrariety and Subcontrariety
- Lesson 20: Chapter 5.5-5.6 Subimplication and Superimplication, The Square of Opposition and Inference Analysis
- Lesson 21: Chapter 6.1-6.3 Introduction to the Relationships of Equivalence, Logical Equations, The Obverse Relationship
- Lesson 22: Chapter 6.4 The Converse Relationship
- Lesson 23: Chapter 6.5 The Relationship of Contraposition
- Lesson 24: Chapter 7.1 Introduction to Syllogisms and Validity
- Lesson 25: Chapter 7.2-7.3 Arranging the Syllogism, Categorical Syllogisms
- Lesson 26: Chapter 7.4 Enthymemes
- Lesson 27: Chapter 7.5 Moods and Figures
- Lesson 28: Chapter 8.1 Validity and the Counterexample Method
- Lesson 29: Chapter 8.2 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 1 and 2
- Lesson 30: Chapter 8.3 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 3 and 4
- Lesson 31: Chapter 8.4 Evaluating Validity: Qualitative Rules
- Lesson 32: Chapter 8.5 An Introduction to the Venn Diagramming Method of Establishing Validity
- Lesson 33: Chapter 8.6 Combining the Skills
- Lesson 34: Chapter 9 Preamble
- Lesson 35: Chapter 9.1 Introduction to Definitions and Disagreement
- Lesson 36: Chapter 9.2 Types of Disagreement
- Lesson 37: Chapter 9.3 Rules for Defining Words
- Lesson 38: Chapter 9.4 Types of Definitions
- Lesson 39: Chapter 9.5 Extension vs. Intention
- Lesson 40: Chapter 9.6 Presuppositional Disputes
- Lesson 41: Chapter 9.7 Pursuing Truth

To obtain a certification credit for this course, simply complete each presentation lesson or discussion in the course (by marking it complete or by taking the quiz) and then also take the certification test at the end of the course. The quizzes are designed to ensure that you have understood the essential content of each presentation, and they can be taken more than once if necessary. The cumulative certification test at the end of the course is given as a pass/fail test and requires that you upload one or more essays demonstrating your understanding of the course. (Please note that essays are simply evaluated by word count.) When you have completed the course, a certificate that you can print or email will become available within “My Courses” (accessible under “Courses” in the main menu when you are signed in as an active subscriber).
We recommend previewing the essay question within the end of course test before starting the course. This will help in guiding your note taking as you progress through the course. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for essay submissions to be reviewed.
By taking the course for certification credit, you also will be on your way to obtaining a Level 2 certification.
Lessons

Course Introduction: Essentials of Formal Logic
Preview
Lesson 1: Chapter 1.1 Formal vs. Informal Logic
Preview
Lesson 2: Chapter 1.2 Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
Preview
Lesson 3: Chapter 1.3 Categorical vs. Propositional Logic
Lesson 3: Chapter 1.3 Categorical vs. Propositional Logic Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 4: Chapter 2.1 Part I: Aristotle Gets the Ball Rolling: Classical Origins and Medieval Recovery
Lesson 4: Chapter 2.1 Part I: Aristotle Gets the Ball Rolling: Classical Origins and Medieval Recovery Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 5: Chapter 2.2 Part II: Aristotle Is Lost and Then Found: The Growth and Divergence of Modern Logic
Lesson 5: Chapter 2.2 Part II: Aristotle Is Lost and Then Found: The Growth and Divergence of Modern Logic Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 6: Chapter 3.1 Thinking About Thinking: The Nature of Formal Logic
Lesson 6: Chapter 3.1 Thinking About Thinking: The Nature of Formal Logic Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 7: Chapter 3.2 The Three Acts of the Mind
Lesson 7: Chapter 3.2 The Three Acts of the Mind Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 8: Chapter 4.1 Introduction to Argument Translation
Lesson 8: Chapter 4.1 Introduction to Argument Translation Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 9: Chapter 4.2 Categorical Form Introduced
Lesson 9: Chapter 4.2 Categorical Form Introduced Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 10: Chapter 4.3 Propositions
Lesson 10: Chapter 4.3 Propositions Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 11: Chapter 4.4 Translating Arguments Step 1: Finding the Propositions
Lesson 11: Chapter 4.4 Translating Arguments Step 1: Finding the Propositions Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 12: Chapter 4.5 Translating Arguments Step 2: Finding the Subject Term and the Predicate Term
Lesson 12: Chapter 4.5 Translating Arguments Step 2: Finding the Subject Term and the Predicate Term Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 13: Chapter 4.6 Translating Arguments Step 3: Affirmo and Nego
Lesson 13: Chapter 4.6 Translating Arguments Step 3: Affirmo and Nego Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 14: Chapter 4.7 Translating Arguments Step 4: Supply the Proper Quantifier
Lesson 14: Chapter 4.7 Translating Arguments Step 4: Supply the Proper Quantifier Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 15: Chapter 4.8 Translating Arguments Step 5: Propositions Translated into Categorical Form
Lesson 15: Chapter 4.8 Translating Arguments Step 5: Propositions Translated into Categorical Form Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 16: Chapter 5.1 Introduction to the Square of Opposition
Lesson 16: Chapter 5.1 Introduction to the Square of Opposition Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 17: Chapter 5.2 The Square of Opposition
Lesson 17: Chapter 5.2 The Square of Opposition Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 18: Chapter 5.3 Contradiction
Lesson 18: Chapter 5.3 Contradiction Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 19: Chapter 5.4 Contrariety and Subcontrariety
Lesson 19: Chapter 5.4 Contrariety and Subcontrariety Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 20: Chapter 5.5-5.6 Subimplication and Superimplication, The Square of Opposition and Inference Analysis
Lesson 20: Chapter 5.5-5.6 Subimplication and Superimplication, The Square of Opposition and Inference Analysis Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 21: Chapter 6.1-6.3 Introduction to the Relationships of Equivalence, Logical Equations, The Obverse Relationship
Lesson 21: Chapter 6.1-6.3 Introduction to the Relationships of Equivalence, Logical Equations, The Obverse Relationship Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 22: Chapter 6.4 The Converse Relationship
Lesson 22: Chapter 6.4 The Converse Relationship Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 23: Chapter 6.5 The Relationship of Contraposition
Lesson 23: Chapter 6.5 The Relationship of Contraposition Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 24: Chapter 7.1 Introduction to Syllogisms and Validity
Lesson 24: Chapter 7.1 Introduction to Syllogisms and Validity Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 25: Chapter 7.2-7.3 Arranging the Syllogism, Categorical Syllogisms
Lesson 25: Chapter 7.2-7.3 Arranging the Syllogism, Categorical Syllogisms Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 26: Chapter 7.4 Enthymemes
Lesson 26: Chapter 7.4 Enthymemes Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 27: Chapter 7.5 Moods and Figures
Lesson 27: Chapter 7.5 Moods and Figures Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 28: Chapter 8.1 Validity and the Counterexample Method
Lesson 28: Chapter 8.1 Validity and the Counterexample Method Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 29: Chapter 8.2 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 1 and 2
Lesson 29: Chapter 8.2 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 1 and 2 Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 30: Chapter 8.3 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 3 and 4
Lesson 30: Chapter 8.3 Evaluating Validity: Terminological Rules 3 and 4 Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 31: Chapter 8.4 Evaluating Validity: Qualitative Rules
Lesson 31: Chapter 8.4 Evaluating Validity: Qualitative Rules Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 32: Chapter 8.5 An Introduction to the Venn Diagramming Method of Establishing Validity
Lesson 32: Chapter 8.5 An Introduction to the Venn Diagramming Method of Establishing Validity Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 33: Chapter 8.6 Combining the Skills
Lesson 33: Chapter 8.6 Combining the Skills Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 34: Chapter 9 Preamble
Lesson 34: Chapter 9 Preamble Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 35: Chapter 9.1 Introduction to Definitions and Disagreement
Lesson 35: Chapter 9.1 Introduction to Definitions and Disagreement Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 36: Chapter 9.2 Types of Disagreement
Lesson 36: Chapter 9.2 Types of Disagreement Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 37: Chapter 9.3 Rules for Defining Words
Lesson 37: Chapter 9.3 Rules for Defining Words Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 38: Chapter 9.4 Types of Definitions
Lesson 38: Chapter 9.4 Types of Definitions Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 39: Chapter 9.5 Extension vs. Intention
Lesson 39: Chapter 9.5 Extension vs. Intention Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 40: Chapter 9.6 Presuppositional Disputes
Lesson 40: Chapter 9.6 Presuppositional Disputes Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

Lesson 41: Chapter 9.7 Pursuing Truth
Lesson 41: Chapter 9.7 Pursuing Truth Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.

End of Course Test: Essentials of Formal Logic
End of Course Test: Essentials of Formal Logic Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.