Non-classical logic

Summer 2015, Düsseldorf

Time: 10:30-18:00, everyday from 20.07 to 23.07
Place: 23.02 - U1.24
URL: ncl2015.michaelde.com

Description

This course provides an introduction to non-classical (propositional) logic. We will look at both the formal (model- and proof-theoretic) aspects of non-classical logics, as well as their philosophical applications and motivations. Some of the logics covered include: intuitionistic, relevant, many-valued, paraconsistent, and counterfactual or conditional logics. One aim of the course is to gain familiarity with some of the ways formal methods are applied in philosophy, and what the advantages, disadvantages and limitations are of the use of such methods. For instance, we will look at logics for reasoning about conditional obligations; that is, obligations one has only if certain conditions hold. For example, we are not obligated to punish Smith unless he does something punishable.

Daily exercises

1. Lecture 1 (20.07): 5.12.2, 5.12.3, 5.12.5; 5.12.6, 5.12.8
2. Lecture 2 (21.07): 6.10.2, 6.10.3, 6.10.4; 6.10.6, 6.10.11
3. Lecture 3 (22.07): 10.11.2, 10.11.3, 10.11.11
4. Lecture 4 (23.07): 7.14.2, 7.14.4, 7.14.5, 7.14.8

Slides

• Lecture 1 (20.07)
• Lecture 2 (21.07)
• Lecture 3 (22.07)
• Lecture 4 (23.07)

Essay

Write a short essay of around 2000 words about any topic that we've covered in the book. That means, don't write about a topic we haven't covered, even if you like it better! The essay is due on 7 August. Please submit it by email. If you think you need a little more time than that, please let me know at least a few days in advance. Good luck!

Graded exercises

Do the following 5 exercise sets from the following four chapters:

1. 5.12.6 (don't use tableaux), or 6.10.3
2. 6.10.4
3. 7.14.5
4. 10.11.2, 10.11.3