Logics and Argumentation

A.Y. 2024/2025
3
Max ECTS
20
Overall hours
SSD
M-FIL/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
- Develop inferential and argumentative skills;
- Learn to identify and reconstruct arguments;
- Learn to evaluate arguments, distinguishing good from bad arguments (fallacies);
- Learn to use formal logic tools (elements of propositional and predicate logic) in order to evaluate deductive reasoning;
- Learn to use informal logic tools in order to evaluate non deductive reasoning;
- Learn to identify and analyse fallacies occurring in political discourse.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the language of contemporary logic, and the main informal logic devices for the analysis and evaluation of reasoning, in science as well as in public communication. The student will know how to symbolize arguments expressed in ordinary language using the tools of propositional and predicative logic, and will be able to apply this knowledge to test the validity of formal arguments. The student will also be able to reconstruct and evaluate informal arguments expressed in ordinary discourse applying a considerable set of argumentation schemes, and taking into account the context of their utterance.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

A-K

Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
- Introduction to classical logic
- Elements of propositional and predicative logic
- Deductive and inductive reasoning
- The construction of arguments
- The evaluation of arguments
- Political discourse
- Elements of rhetoric
Prerequisites for admission
No special prerequisites are necessary.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of face-to-face lectures and group exercises on the topics of argumentation in the political sphere. If conditions permit, peer tutoring using the debate method will be implemented.
Teaching Resources
G. Boniolo, P. Vidali, Strumenti per ragionare. Le regole logiche, la pratica argomentativa, l'inferenza probabilistica, Pearson, Milano-Torino 2016 (3a ed.).

Additional materials for study and further study will be suggested in the course of the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed by means of a written test (computer-based or not) consisting of open questions, multiple choice questions and analysis of argumentative texts. The assessment will take into account the candidate's mastery of the content and skills acquired, linguistic accuracy and lexical property, as well as his or her argumentative ability in relation to the teaching topics.
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor: Cali' Cristiano

L-Z

Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
- Introduction to classical logic
- Elements of propositional and predicative logic
- Deductive and inductive reasoning
- The construction of arguments
- The evaluation of arguments
- Political discourse
- Elements of rhetoric
Prerequisites for admission
No special prerequisites are necessary.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of face-to-face lectures and group exercises on the topics of argumentation in the political sphere. If conditions permit, peer tutoring using the debate method will be implemented.
Teaching Resources
G. Boniolo, P. Vidali, Strumenti per ragionare. Le regole logiche, la pratica argomentativa, l'inferenza probabilistica, Pearson, Milano-Torino 2016 (3a ed.).

Ulteriori materiali per lo studio e l'approfondimento saranno suggeriti nel corso delle lezioni.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed by means of a written test (computer-based or not) consisting of open questions, multiple choice questions and analysis of argumentative texts. The assessment will take into account the candidate's mastery of the content and skills acquired, linguistic accuracy and lexical property, as well as his or her argumentative ability in relation to the teaching topics.
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor: Cali' Cristiano
Professor(s)