PHIL 140 - WS1 – CRITICAL THINKING

CLASS SYLLABUS
Department of Philosophy
St. Thomas More College
University of Saskatchewan
Fall Term 2020

Class Time and Location: Online, September 3, 2020 – December 7, 2020

Delivery Method: Online modules

Instructor: John Liptay (STM 441, 966.5084, jliptay@stmcollege.ca)

Office Hours: By appointment. Please contact me by email to arrange an on-line

meeting.

Website: Blackboard

Associate Dean, STM: Tammy Marche

Associate Dean, STM Contact Information: tmarche@stmcollege.ca

Land Acknowledgement

As we engage in Remote Teaching and Learning, I would like to acknowledge that the
Saskatoon campus of the University of Saskatchewan is on Treaty Six Territory and
the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nation and Métis ancestors
of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. I would also like to
recognize that some may be attending this course from other traditional Indigenous
lands. I ask that you take a moment to make your own Land Acknowledgement to the
peoples of those lands. In doing so, we are actively participating in reconciliation as we
navigate our time in this course, learning and supporting each other.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to principles of logic and reasoning. It is designed to

develop skills in critical thinking, including the analysis, evaluation, and development of
arguments. The course will cover topics in informal logic, deductive logic, and inductive
logic, which may include argument analysis, fallacies, categorical logic, natural
deduction, causality, Bayesian probability theory, and scientific reasoning.

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Course Overview:

The course material has been divided into three learning units or parts.

Since critical thinking involves the formulation and evaluation of arguments, we begin in
Part 1 with a definition of what an argument is, then learn how to use indicator words to
identify arguments and their components and to distinguish arguments from various
kinds of nonargument. We then turn to investigate the two basic forms of arguments –
deductive and inductive – and how to evaluate them, begin to consider extended
arguments with more complex structures, and are then introduced to a simple technique
for diagramming arguments that enables us to see and grasp the relations between
their constitutive parts (Chapter 1). We then address issues of meaning and definition
in order to learn how to communicate clearly and precisely when formulating and
analyzing arguments (Chapter 2). Finally, we learn what formal and informal fallacies
are, and identify and study twenty-two informal fallacies so as to avoid them in all our
future thinking (Chapter 3).

In Part 2, we study the basic features of two forms of deductive reasoning that provide
us with tools for determining whether the form of an argument is valid, while bracketing
the question of whether the premises are true. Categorical logic or reasoning deals with
arguments that make claims about different categories or classes of things. After
learning the standard forms of categorical statements or propositions (Chapter 4), we
explore how categorical syllogisms work and how to evaluate them either by means of a
diagram or through the use of rules (Chapter 5). In propositional logic we are
introduced to different kinds of proposition and to techniques for dealing with and
evaluating arguments that express relations between such propositions (Chapter 6).

In Part 3, we investigate several common and important examples of inductive

reasoning that we regularly encounter in our everyday living, including: analogical, legal
and moral reasoning (Chapter 9), reasoning about causes (Chapter 10), and
hypothetical/scientific reasoning (Chapter 13).

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of this course, students will be expected to:

1. Identify arguments and distinguish between various patterns of reasoning

2. Analyze the structure of arguments
3. Evaluate arguments using inductive and deductive techniques
4. Translate arguments using appropriate symbolic notations
5. Apply appropriate techniques to arguments in context

Required Resources

Hurley, P., & Watson, L. (2018). A Concise Introduction to Logic. Thirteenth Edition.
Independence, KY: Cengage.

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Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
http://www.usask.ca/bookstore/

The eBook can be purchased here: https://www.nelsonbrain.com/shop/9780357419397

 
Please note: No other resources for this class are required. The Instructor has no
information as regards additional resources provided by the publisher – such as
MindTap. Students wishing to purchase these are asked to contact the publisher.

Evaluation and Grading Scheme

Module Exercises (10 x 1.5%) 15%

Quizzes (4 X 15%) 60%
Final Exam 25%
Total 100%

Evaluation Components:

Module Exercises:

Value: 15% of final grade

Description: Short answer questions covering the material in the module, due on the
last day of each module.

Quiz One:

Value: 15% of final grade

Due Date: 25 September
Description: Covering Module IL-C and Module AA, the quiz will be comprised of the
type of questions dealt with in the course textbook and in the module exercises.

Quiz Two:

Value: 15% of final grade

Due Date: 16 October
Description: Covering Module LMD and Module IF, the quiz will be comprised of the
type of questions dealt with in the course textbook and in the module exercises.

Quiz Three:

Value: 15% of final grade

Due Date: 20 November
Description: Covering Module CP, Module CS, and Module TT, the quiz will be
comprised of the type of questions dealt with in the course textbook and in the module
exercises.

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 Quiz Four:

Value: 15% of final grade

Due Date: 7 December
Description: Covering Module ALMR, Module C, and Module HSR, the quiz will be
comprised of the type of questions dealt with in the course textbook and in the module
exercises.

Final Exam:

Value:25% of final grade

Date: TBA. The final examination must be written on the date and at the time
scheduled by the university and will be held during the exam period – i.e., 8 - 23
December 2020.
Length: 3 hours
Type: a comprehensive closed book exam that will be completed remotely.
Description: The exam will be comprehensive in nature, covering all the assigned
material in the Hurley and Watson text. It will be comprised of the type of questions
dealt with in the course textbook, in the modules, and in the quizzes.

If a student is unable to write an exam through no fault of his or her own for medical or
other valid reasons, documentation must be provided and an opportunity to write the
missed exam may be given. Students are encouraged to review all examination policies
and procedures at http://students.usask.ca/academics/exams.php.

University of Saskatchewan Grading System (for undergraduate courses)

Exceptional (90-100) A superior performance with consistent evidence of

 a comprehensive, incisive grasp of the subject matter;
 an ability to make insightful critical evaluation of the material given;
 an exceptional capacity for original, creative and/or logical thinking;
 an excellent ability to organize, to analyze, to synthesize, to integrate ideas, and to
express thoughts fluently.
Excellent (80-90) An excellent performance with strong evidence of
 a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter;
 an ability to make sound critical evaluation of the material given;
 a very good capacity for original, creative and/or logical thinking;
 an excellent ability to organize, to analyze, to synthesize, to integrate ideas, and to
express thoughts fluently.
Good (70-79) A good performance with evidence of
 a substantial knowledge of the subject matter;
 a good understanding of the relevant issues and a good familiarity with the relevant
literature and techniques;
 some capacity for original, creative and/or logical thinking;
 a good ability to organize, to analyze and to examine the subject material in a critical
and constructive manner.
Satisfactory (60-69) A generally satisfactory and intellectually adequate performance
with evidence of
 an acceptable basic grasp of the subject material;
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 a fair understanding of the relevant issues;
 a general familiarity with the relevant literature and techniques;
 an ability to develop solutions to moderately difficult problems related to the subject
material;
 a moderate ability to examine the material in a critical and analytical manner.
Minimal Pass (50-59) A barely acceptable performance with evidence of
 a familiarity with the subject material;
 some evidence that analytical skills have been developed;
 some understanding of relevant issues;
 some familiarity with the relevant literature and techniques;
 attempts to solve moderately difficult problems related to the subject material and to
examine the material in a critical and analytical manner which are only partially
successful.
Failure <50 An unacceptable performance

Understanding Your Grades

More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found at:
http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academic-affairs/academic-courses.php

The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations

about the learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be
played in realizing these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy
of the Learning Charter can be found at:
http://teaching.usask.ca/about/policies/learning-charter.php

Class Schedule
See the “Required Readings” section in each module in Blackboard Learn for a detailed
required readings list and schedule.

Week Module Title Due Dates

September 3 – Informal Logic – Exercise IL-C: September 11
September 11 Concepts
September 14 – Argument Analysis Exercise AA: September 18
September 18
September 21 – Language: Meaning Exercise LMD: September 25
September 25 and Definitions Quiz #1: September 25
September 28 – Informal Fallacies Exercise IF: October 9
October 9
October 12 – Categorical Exercise CP: October 16
October 16 Propositions Quiz #2: October 16
October 19 – Categorical Exercise CS: October 23
October 23 Syllogisms
October 26 – Truth Tables Exercise TT: November 6
November 6
November 16 – Analogy, Legal and Exercise ALMR: November 20

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 November 20 Moral Reasoning Quiz #3: November 20
November 23 – Causality Exercise C: November 27
November 27
November 30 – Hypothetical/ Exercise HSR: December 7
December 7 Scientific Reasoning Quiz #4: December 7

Note: No Class Days/No Evaluation Days for this Class during Fall Term Break –
November 9-14.

Submitting Assignments

You are to submit your assignments via Blackboard in Word or PDF files through the
Assignments category in the Grade Center. Note that assignments are due by 11:59
p.m. Saskatchewan time on the due date.

Extensions and Late Assignments

Overdue module exercises will receive a grade of 0. Unexcused missed quizzes can be
rewritten but will be assessed a penalty of 50%. If you have extraordinary
circumstances that prevent you from completing a module exercise on time or writing a
quiz on the scheduled date, contact your instructor.

Integrity in a Remote Learning Context

Although the face of teaching and learning has changed due to covid-19, the rules and
principles governing academic integrity remain the same.

Online module exercises, quizzes, and exams are tracked and monitored for
irregularities. Any collusion, collaborating, copying, cheating or any form of academic
misconduct is a very serious offence at the University of Saskatchewan and could result
in suspension or expulsion from the university.

If you ever have questions about what may or may not be permitted, ask your instructor.
Students have found it especially important to clarify rules related to exams
administered remotely and to follow these carefully and completely.

St. Thomas More College follows the rules regarding Academic Dishonesty as
delineated in the University of Saskatchewan Calendar. Of these, plagiarism is a
particularly serious offence that involves presenting another person’s writing, ideas or
creative work as your own. When quoting, paraphrasing, describing, presenting,
summarizing or translating the work of others, you must acknowledge the source of the
information you use, which includes ensuring that the reader can differentiate between
your words and the words of others. Sources may come in print, electronic, digital,
visual or oral form, and may be provided by a published author, fellow student, artist, or

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Internet site. Purchasing papers is not permitted. It is your responsibility to understand
what constitutes plagiarism; when in doubt, consult your professor.

All students should read and be familiar with the Regulations on Academic Student
Misconduct (https://secretariat.usask.ca/student-conduct-appeals/academic-
misconduct.php) as well as the Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters
and Procedures for Resolution of Complaints and Appeals
(https://secretariat.usask.ca/student-conduct-appeals/academic-
misconduct.php#IXXIIAPPEALS)

For more information on what academic integrity means for students see the Academic
Integrity section of the University Library Website at: https://library.usask.ca/academic-
integrity#AboutAcademicIntegrity

You are encouraged to complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial to understand the
fundamental values of academic integrity and how to be a responsible scholar and
member of the Usask community - https://library.usask.ca/academic-
integrity.php#AcademicIntegrityTutorial

Access and Equity Services (AES)

Students who have disabilities (learning, medical, physical, or mental health) are
strongly encouraged to register with Access and Equity Services (AES) if they have not
already done so. Students who suspect they may have disabilities should contact AES
for advice and referrals at any time. Those students who are registered with AES with
mental health disabilities and who anticipate that they may have responses to certain
course materials or topics, should discuss course content with their instructors prior to
course add / drop dates. In order to access AES programs and supports, students must
follow AES policy and procedures. For more information or advice, visit
https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/access-equity-services.php, or contact AES at
306-966-7273 or aes@usask.ca.

Students registered with AES may request alternative arrangements for mid-term and
final examinations. Students must arrange such accommodations through AES by the
stated deadlines. Instructors shall provide the examinations for students who are being
accommodated by the deadlines established by AES.

If you are a student who is registered with the Office of Access & Equity Services for
Students, you may apply for unique services or arrangements to complete the
requirements for this course. Normally, these services will be provided through the AES
office. If you have not yet registered with that office, please do so as quickly as possible.
http://students.usask.ca/health/centres/disability-services-for-students.php

For information on AES services and remote learning please visit

https://updates.usask.ca/info/current/accessibility.php#AccessandEquityServices

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 Student Supports

Academic Help for Students

The University Library offers a range of learning and academic support to assist Usask
undergrad and graduate students. For information on specific services, please see the
Learning page on the Library web site https://library.usask.ca/support/learning.php.

 Remote learning support information https://students.usask.ca/study/remote-

learning.php
 Remote learning tutorial https://libguides.usask.ca/remote_learning
 Study skills materials for online learning https://libguides.usask.ca/studyskills
 A guide on netiquette, principles to guide respectful online learning interactions
https://teaching.usask.ca/remote-teaching/netiquette.php

https://students.usask.ca/study/remote-learning.php https://libguides.usask.ca/studyskills

Teaching, Learning and Student Experience

Teaching, Learning and Student Experience (TLSE) provides developmental and

support services and programs to students and the university community. For more
information, see the students’ web site http://students.usask.ca.

Financial Support

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may
affect their performance in the course is urged to contact Student Central
(https://students.usask.ca/student-central.php).

Aboriginal Students’ Centre

The Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC) is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal student

academic and personal success. The centre offers personal, social, cultural and some
academic supports to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit students. The centre is also
dedicated to intercultural education, brining Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students
together to learn from, with and about one another in a respectful, inclusive, and safe
environment. Students are encouraged to visit the ASC’s Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalstudentscentre/) to learn more.

Copyright

Every effort has been made to trace ownership of all copyrighted material and to secure
permission from copyright holders. In the event of any question arising as to the use of
any material, we will be pleased to make the necessary corrections. The University of
Saskatchewan copyright policy is available at http://www.usask.ca/copyright/.

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Acknowledgements

Class authors:
Dr. Peter Alward, Professor, Department Head, Department of Philosophy, University of
Saskatchewan
Dr. John Liptay, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, St. Thomas More
College, University of Saskatchewan

Instructional design:
Kristine Dreaver-Charles M.S.Ed., Instructional Designer, Distance Education Unit,
University of Saskatchewan

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