Courses in UCD

This is an interest course offered by the UCD Adult Education Centre and open to anyone.

Logic and Reasoning Tutor: Angelo Bottone Course Start Date: 23/09/2013 Course End Date: 02/12/2013 No. of Sessions: 10 Start Time: 19.30 Duration (Hours): 2.00 Location: Belfield Campus Fee: €190

Course Description When judgements are confused, or not thought through, reason can help. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic ideas of logic and correct reasoning. They will learn how to analyse ordinary language statements and translate them into logical forms. Students will become familiar with the rules of good argument. They will be made aware of some of the ways in which reasoning can fail in order to recognise popular mistakes in themselves or in others. Examples from everyday arguments and common controversies will be discussed in class. Concepts such as formal reasoning, inference, deduction, induction, syllogism, validity, truth and falsity will be considered. Symbols and technicalities will be kept to a minimum. No previous knowledge is required.

Course Schedule 10 Mondays : 7.30pm-9.30pm Sept 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, Nov 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2 (No class bank holiday Mon, Oct 28)

Provisional List of Key Topics What is a good argument? How can logic help our reasoning? Deduction and induction Common mistakes and fallacious reasoning

Who is this course for ? This course is for anyone who wants to improve their ability to think and argue correctly.

Reading List The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests. Bowell, Tracy and Kemp, Gary, (2010), Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide, Routledge Pirie, Madsen, (2006) How to win every argument, Continuum

More information here: www.ucd.ie/adulted