PHIL 305: LOGIC
University of Tennessee, Martin
8/1/2025
BASIC INFORMATION
Course Section: all on campus and online sections of PHIL 305 taught by James Fieser
Course Title: Logic
Meeting Time and Place: Humanities 215
Course Credit Hours: 3
Required Textbooks and Other Materials: all reading material is posted online for free on Canvas and online (storage.googleapis.com/jfieser/305/Index.html)
Recommended Textbook (optional): John Nolt, Schaum's Outline of Logic, Second Edition (used on Ebay or Amazon)
Faculty Contact Information:
Dr. James Fieser
Office: Humanities 216A
Office Hours: MWF 1:00-2:00, and by appointment
Phone: 881-7537 (Office)
E-Mail: jfieser@utm.edu
COURSE PURPOSE, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
Catalog Description: An examination of argumentation, with emphasis on identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. Topics include argument diagrams, informal fallacies, syllogistic logic, propositional logic, truth tables, quantification, inductive logic, and modal logic.
Course Resources: all material for this course is available through the course Canvas page.
Philosophy Major Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the philosophy program, students will be able to (1) Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of metaphysical, epistemological, and value theories in philosophy; (2) Apply specialized knowledge of key philosophical issues and philosophers; (3) Analyze and interpret major texts and arguments in philosophy; (4) Apply the main rules of philosophical argumentation and logic; (5) Defend/refute philosophical positions in writing.
Course Communications: email will be the primary means of communication outside of class. I try to answer all email messages within a few hours. During the semester I will email a few short messages to the entire class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Course Content: The course consists of Modules on the following topics: (1) Overview of Logic, (2) Language and Logic, (3) Argument Structure, (4) Fallacies, (5) Propositional Logic, (6) Propositional Calculus, (7) Categorical Logic, (8) Predicate Logic, (9) Predicate Calculus, (10) Modal Logic
Readings: All the reading assignments for this course are posted online and on Canvas, free of charge, and most of it comes from book chapters that I have authored.
Homework Assignments: All the reading material in the course has accompanying homework questions, which are posted online. Assignment due dates are posted on Canvas, and might change as the semester proceeds.
Tests: Four tests will be given throughout the semester consisting of about 20-50 multiple choice questions each. All tests will be online on Canvas. The tests will be video monitored and require use of a suitable computer with a functioning webcam. All tests are open-book and open-note. Test dates will be indicated on Canvas.
Attendance: For on campus sections, attendance is required and will be taken regularly. You are allowed six discretionary absences, with no penalty. If you go over six, I will only evaluate the legitimacy of excuses on finals day, so you need to save all your written excuses until that time; please do not show them to me until then. Students who miss class are expected to view the relevant lecture video posted on Canvas.
Ten Commandments of Classroom Conduct: (1) Do not come to class if you are ill; (2) Do not show up late for class; (3) Shut off and put away all electronic devices; (4) Do not sneak out of class after attendance; (5) Do not leave the room once class starts unless you tell me beforehand; (6) Do not chat with students around you; (7) Do not study material for a different class during this one; (8) Do not be disrespectful to me or other students in the room; (9) Do not pack your things until I tell you that class is over; (10) Do not cheat on exams and assignments, including use of AI.
Course Grade: Final grades will be determined according to the total points from the four exams, plus proper submission of homework assignments. Please note that you cannot pass this class without completing all your homework assignments.
Required Equipment: Access to a Windows or Apple computer with a webcam and microphone that can run the required test monitoring software (i.e., the Proctorio extension for the Chrome web browser).
Extra Credit and Lottery Scholarships: No extra credit will be available for this course; students on scholarships should take notice of this.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Academic Integrity: The University of Tennessee at Martin has chosen as its primary objective quality undergraduate education. Commitment to this objective must include an obligation by all members of the University community to promote and protect the highest standards of integrity in study, research, instruction and evaluation. Dishonesty or unethical behavior does not belong at an institution dedicated to the promotion of knowledge and learning. Integrity of the academic process requires fair and impartial evaluation by faculty and honest academic conduct by students. Specific integrity attributes can be found: www.utm.edu/departments/conduct/new_academic_integrity.php
Standard of Conduct: When persons enroll in The University of Tennessee at Martin, they retain the rights and duties of a citizen. Additionally, they must assume the duties and observe the regulations imposed by the University community. Specific conduct attributes can be found: www.utm.edu/departments/conduct/conduct.php
Disability Services: The University of Tennessee provides reasonable accommodations (academic adjustments and auxiliary aids) to ensure equal access to educational content and university programs for students with disabilities. Students who are eligible for and who request accommodations through the Disability Services office must provide instructors with a letter of accommodation. The Disability Services office is located in the Student Success Center, 203 Clement Hall, (731) 881-7605.
KEY CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog: Listing of academic programs, courses, and policies (www.utm.edu/catalog.php).
Important Dates: add/drop, payments (www.utm.edu/departments/registrar/registration.php).
Student Success Center: Academic support resources (www.utm.edu/departments/success/).
Student Health and Counseling Services: Mental and physical health services (www.utm.edu/departments/shcs/).
Library: Access to library resources, databases, course reserves, and services (www.utm.edu/library.php).
Career Services: Career counseling and resources; Vault job search system (www.utm.edu/departments/careers).
Help Desk: computer and technology assistance (731-881-7900, www.utm.edu/help)
Syllabus Subject to Change: The instructor reserves the right to revise, alter or amend this syllabus as necessary. Students will be notified in writing / email of any such changes.