24.241  Logic I

       An introduction to the aims and techniques of formal logic. Logic is the science of correct argument, and our study of logic will have both theoretical and practical goals. The theoretical aim is to understand what makes a correct argument good, that is, what is it about the structure of a correct argument that guarantees that, if the premisses are all true, the conclusion will be true as well? Our subject will be truth and proof, and the connection between them. The practical aim is to help you learn to reason better, with greater clarity and precision.

         The text for the course will be a manuscript I wrote myself, entitled Logic: The Art of Persuasion  and the Science of Truth, which you can read here on the Stellar site, under “Materials.” Homework assignments, homework answers, announcements, and so on on will also be posted here. If, for some reason, you are not now officially enrolled in the class, please send me an e-mail and let me know, so that I can add your name to the class list, giving you full access to the site.

         There will be weekly problem sets, and a mandatory 3-hour, open-book final exam.  The final will carry the same weight as three problem sets. In figuring out your final grade, we'll  drop the lowest problem set score. I encourage you to work together on the problems, but when you sit down to write up your final answers, please do it by yourself, without looking at anyone else’s work.

    If you have any questions or concerns that Cole or I can help you with, please let us know. Either of us will be happy to meet with you. My regular office hours are Tuesdays from 11 to 1, in my office, 32-D931. If that’s not convenient, we can arrange another time, by e-mail (vmcgee@mit.edu) or phone (617-253-6394). Cole's office hours are on Tuesdays from 3 to 4, in 32-D912. You can email him at cleahy@mit.edu.