P105 will introduce students to the basic elements of correct
reasoning, drawing on methods from both informal and formal logic.
There will be two main focuses of our discussion.  First will be the
recognition, analysis, and evaluation of everyday arguments using
methods from both formal and informal logic.  Students will learn
how to identify arguments and their structure, and test arguments
for validity using informal proofs, counterexamples and the truth-
table method. Students will also learn how to detect common formal
and informal fallacies of reasoning.  We will apply these methods in
evaluating examples of reasoning and arguments taken from everyday
life.  Second will be the study of why people commonly fail
systematically in their reasoning.  Students will study the sources,
roles and results that cognitive limitations, reliance on pet-
theories, and common deviations from logical reasoning have.

Final grade will be based on class participation, one group
presentation, quizzes, and three exams.

For more information, please contact Josh Alexander at
joshuaa@indiana.edu.