Studies informal logic and language techniques as they relate to
reasoning and argument. Provides practice in analyzing arguments
and constructing sound arguments. Lecture 3 hours per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE To introduce the student to the
principles of informal logic. To develop skills which will
enable the student to distinguish sound reasoning from unsound,
and which will enable the student to construct a sound argument.
ENTRY LEVEL REQUIREMENTS At the completion of this course, the
student will be able to recognize unsound reasoning, and
construct sound arguments. Specifically, the student will be
able to: B. Identify informal logical fallacies. C. Understand
the principles of argumentation. D. Construct a simple, sound
argument, avoiding fallacies and adequately supporting his
conclusion. Critical attention will be given to the following
topics: B. Conversational implication C. Language of argument -
terminology D. Close analysis of arguments, sound and unsound E.
Fallacies of relevance and ambiguit