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Logics

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence in logic necessary for the work of a sociologist, while fostering a culture of critical thinking. The course builds an understanding of logic as a science, focusing on correct reasoning and the use of language in sociological work. Students study the main forms of thought—concepts, judgments, and inferences—paying particular attention to the fundamental laws of logic and to argumentation. The course provides students with knowledge, skills, and competence in the field of logic.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
The study course provides an understanding of the concept and structure of logic, the significance of logic in social cognition, and knowledge of the history of logic. Students gain an understanding of the forms of thought and the fundamental laws of reasoning, as well as the nature, structure, and types of proof. (Tests 1–4 and final test)

Skills:
Students acquire the ability to select and critically evaluate social information in the field of logic. They also develop the skills to apply knowledge of logic in social cognition and in the use of professional language (tests, preparation and presentation of an essay).

General skills:
students are able to plan their time responsibly and complete assigned tasks. They can formulate and evaluate concepts, judgments, and inferences; apply the fundamental laws of logic in the thinking process; and logically argue a thesis or viewpoint (practical tasks, essay presentation).

Competence:

Ability to competently and responsibly apply knowledge and skills of logic in social cognition and in the use of language within sociology (essay preparation, essay presentation, and final test).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies:
List of lectures (16 hours)
1. The subject of logic, its history. (2 hours)
2. Concept. (2 hours)
3. Proposition. (4 hours)
4. Basic rules of logic. (1 hour)
5. Conclusion. (5 hours)
6. Proof. (1 hour)
7. Logic and social quest. (1 hour)

List of seminars (16 hours)
1. The subject of logic. Test 1. (2 hours)
2. Thinking and language. (1 hour)
3. Concept (1 hour)
4. Concept. Division and definition of concept. Test 2. (1 hour)
5. Proposition. Logic square. (1 hour)
6. Deployment of terms in a proposition. (1 hour)
7. Combined propositions. Test 3. (2 hours)
8. Basic rules of logic. (1 hour)
9. Syllogism. Test 4. (1 hour)
10. Inductive conclusions. (1 hour)
11. Proof. (1 hour)
12. Logic and social quest. (1 hour)
13. Presentation of essays. Final test (2 hours)

Part-time distance learning:

All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The cumulative assessment consists of:
Formal test: 4 tests – 20%, practical tasks – 20%, essay and presentation – 30%, final test – 30%.


The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the course, the student prepares and submits, by the specified deadline, a printed essay on a topic of their choice from the list of essay topics recommended in the course.
The essay must be at least 8 pages in length.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Study results are assessed according to the quality of task completion, using a 10-point grading system.
For test assessment, 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point grading scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Vedins I. Loģika. R.: Avots, 2009. 399 lpp.
2. Apsalons E. Valodas lietojuma loģika. R.: Zvaigzne ABC, 2011. 424 lpp.
3. Smith P., An Introduction to Formal Logic. Second edition, Cambridge University Press, 2020. 428 p. Pieejams: https://www.logicmatters.net/resources/pdfs/IFL2_LM.pdf

4. Bocheński, J.M.. A History of Formal Logic. 2nd Edition. Translated and edited from the German edition by Ivo Thomas. Chelsea Publishing, NewYork, 1970. 608 p. Pieejams: https://circulosemiotico.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/historyofformall00boch.pdf

Further reading

1. Classical Logic. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy . Pieejams: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logic-classical/
2. Delancey C. A. Concise Introduction to Logic. 2017. Milne Library State University of New York at Geneseo, NY 14454 . Pieejams: http://solr.bccampus.ca:8001/bcc/file/17082e35-cf6d-43e1-a5be-7235b2cf8da0/1/A-Concise-Introduction-to-Logic-1490623862.pdf
3. Kants I. Prolegomeni. R.: Zvaigzne, 1990. 156 lpp.
4. Magnus P.D. An Introduction to Formal Logic. 2005–2017 by P.D. Magnus . Pieejams: https://www.fecundity.com/codex/forallx.pdf
5. Vedins I. Mācīšanas māksla. R.: Avots, 2011. 359 lpp.

6. Vilks A. Ievads loģikā. R.: Raka, 2003. 111 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Logic. Pieejams: https:// www.britannica.com/topic/logic
2. Open Textbol Library. Pieejams: https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/fundamental-methods-of-logic
3. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Pieejams: http://plato.stanford.edu/

4. Žurnāls Labirints, ISSN 1407-2408

Notes

Compulsory study course for ESAF academic bachelor's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".