MS Logic 2

8th-9th

The ability to clearly and decisively make a point is tragically rare in our culture, and a young person who is able to do so stands out from his or her peers. The ability to set forward a series of thoughts that lead to a conclusion in a way that the listener or reader can follow will help a student in all academic disciplines. A person trained in logic will be better prepared to form thought clearly, which results in being better equipped to write, speak, think and plan across a broad range of topics. This class is an introduction to formal logic. It will focus upon the three acts of the mind in the formation of logical arguments: 1) understanding, 2) judgment, and 3) reasoning. The act of understanding will focus on the use of clearly defined terms, so that the one making an argument knows what he or she is talking about. The act of judgment is the evaluation of statements for their truth values. The act of reasoning is the ability to understand how truths interact together to form valid arguments. The successful student will leave the class with a strengthened ability to think and reason clearly, and with skills to perceive bad arguments and how to refute them. In the course of the study, we will also explore some of the works of the ancient philosopher Socrates as described in some of the dialogues of Plato. [Logic I is suggested, though not required for participation in Logic II this year].

Please direct questions to Ethan Brown at hvlminister@gmail.com.