what is symbolic logic course

by Catharine Nolan 6 min read

Symbolic logic is a particular branch of logic that studies correct reasoning using a formal or artificial language. This course will articulate two different formal languages: propositional logic and predicate logic.

This course is a study of the formal principles and techniques of modern symbolic logic as they are applied to various logical problems and issues found in ordinary reasoning, as well as philosophical, legal, scientific, and mathematical reasoning.

Full Answer

What is symbolic logic?

Symbolic logic alleviates the ambiguities of natural language by formally capturing logical expressions in symbols. Humans have pondered the laws of thought and valid forms of reasoning for millennia, but only recently has logic been formalized in symbols allowing for the exploration of valid argument structures.

What is the starting point for appreciating symbolic logic?

The starting point for appreciating symbolic logic is the appreciation of the difference between simple statements and compound statements. You might have thought it would be some symbols, but symbols are only going to be useful once we are clear on what we are symbolizing.

What is the modern study of logic?

The modern study of logic begins with the introduction of symbols that formally capture logical expressions, as opposed to the exploration of the nature of reasoning through imprecise language.

What is the scope of logic?

The word "logical" , in common speech, is used to mean "true", "plausible", "realistic" etc. The actual scope of logic is only to study reliable methods of reasoning. Roughtly speaking, it shows what conclusions can be deduced from assumptions. It does not deal with whether the assumptions themselves are "true", "plausible" or "realistic".

What is meant by symbolic logic?

Definition of symbolic logic : a science of developing and representing logical principles by means of a formalized system consisting of primitive symbols, combinations of these symbols, axioms, and rules of inference.

Why do we study symbolic logic?

(3) Symbolic logic is useful for simplifying complicated electrical circuits. The techniques of symbolic logic are used to create a simpler circuit that works the same as a more complicated and more expensive circuit. (4) Symbolic logic is useful for analyzing the theoretical limits of ideal digital computers.

What is symbolic logic and examples?

In symbolic logic, a letter such as p stands for an entire statement. It may, for example, represent the statement, "A triangle has three sides." In algebra, the plus sign joins two numbers to form a third number. In symbolic logic, a sign such as V connects two statements to form a third statement.

Is symbolic logic easy?

Symbolic logic is by far the simplest kind of logic—it is a great time-saver in argumentation. Additionally, it helps prevent logical confusion. The modern development begin with George Boole in the 19th century.

Does symbolic logic involve math?

Symbolic logic is the branch of mathematics that makes use of symbols to express logical ideas. This method makes it possible to manipulate ideas mathematically in much the same way that numbers are manipulated.

How hard is a logic class?

Logic courses can be hard. Make sure you understand that this will likely be a challenging course involving lots of study. If you're the type more willing to skip lectures, advanced logic courses might be a strike against the all-important GPA.

How do you write in symbolic logic?

In symbolic logic, a sign such as V connects two statements to form a third statement. For example, V replaces the word "or" and Λ replaces the word "and." The following is a list of the symbols commonly encountered: p, q, r,… "implies and is implied by" or "....if and only if..."

What are the 4 types of logic?

Popular Answers (1) There are four basic forms of logic: deductive, inductive, abductive and metaphoric inference.

What is the difference between logic and symbolic logic?

Formal logic is always symbolic since natural language isn't precise enough to be formalized. However, symbolic logic is not always formal. It is common to leave mundane details out of mathematical proofs, leaving behind a proof that is possibly symbolic but not formal.

What is a logic course in college?

Logic is the study of formal and informal reasoning. Originally a branch of philosophy, logic has also become a mathematical discipline, a tool of modern linguistics, the core of computer science and an object of study for psychologists and cognitive scientists of every description.

Is symbolic logic a philosophy?

Symbolic logic is a type of logic that uses mathematical and philosophical symbols to show quantities and relationships. An example of symbolic logic is a philosophy professor using symbols to provide examples of a series of relationships during a class lesson.

What does φ mean in philosophy?

In philosophy, φ is often used as shorthand for a generic act. (Also in uppercase.) In perceptual psychology, the phi phenomenon is the apparent motion caused by the successive viewing of stationary objects, such as the frames of a motion picture.

What are the letters in symbolic logic?

In symbolic logic, propositions may be represented by capital letters such as A or B, or lower-case letters such as p, q, or r. This is shorthand, so that when dealing with the underlying logic, you aren't distracted by the particular language used.

What are the basic logical operators?

The basic logical operators, along with negation, are conjunction, disjunction, conditional, and biconditional.

What are the basic operators of a logical expression?

The basic logical operators, along with negation, are conjunction, disjunction, conditional, and biconditional. Conjunction (∧) means 'and.'. It links propositions together in such a way that the logical expression is true only if both propositions are true. Disjunction (∨) is an inclusive 'or.'.

What does the not symbol mean in a proposition?

Propositions are written in the affirmative. In other words, we don't use the word 'not'. Instead, we use the not symbol (¬) to make a negation (a not statement). If we write 'My car is not red' using symbols, we would write ¬A. In logic, negation changes an expression's truth value.

What is the smallest logical expression we can make that if broken down would result in a loss of meaning

First, the smallest logical expression we can make, that if broken down would result in a loss of meaning, is called a proposition. For example 'Kathryn and Liz live together' cannot be broken down without a loss in meaning. 'Kathryn lives together' doesn't even make sense.

What is the proposition to the left of an arrow called?

The proposition to the left of the arrow is called the premise , and the proposition to the right of the arrow is called the conclusion. We will need to remember that in logic true premises always lead to true conclusions, and false premises lead to any conclusion. The English for biconditional is 'if and only if.'.

What is the symbol for biconditional?

The symbol for a biconditional is a triple bar, ≡. It looks like an equal sign with a third line. If you use Bluestorm, you’ll write it like this, however: < – >, and you’ll write -> in place of rounded horseshoe or even just an arrow head (you need the dash).

What is only if?

These are equivalent statements, but notice that in the one, “only if” is introducing the consequent, and in the other, “if” is introducing the antecedent. That’s because “if” and “only if” really do not mean the same thing. “If” introduces a sufficient condition, but “only if” introduces a necessary one. It’s very important to keep this straight. As a practical piece of advice, remember this: always look to see if “if” is accompanied by “only.” If it is, then it is not really “if,” it is “only if,” and must be treated as such.

What does "and" mean in a statement?

That means that the truth-value of an “and” statement is a function of the truth-value of the pieces that make it up.

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