Critical Thinking Class Forum

[jwaters]

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[speedyj88]

It certainly won't hurt but by that time in your studying I don't think it will help that much either. Regardless, it sounds like an interesting class.

[arean.ryan]

I took a similar course this summer titled, "Elementary Logic"; big help in aspects on syllogisms, deducing statements, contrapositives...doubt you will get the a good arsenal of knowledge by test day however

[3|ink]

You'll learn a lot more than you'll need for the LSAT. I took my logic class ages ago, but I remember having to solve equations. It was almost like math, but easier.

[phernandez10]

That sounds like an introductory class in logic. My intro logic course was fairly basic (categorical syllogisms, fallacies, etc.), however I took an upper division course which was very helpful. I went deeper into the argument structure.


Course description:
"PHIL 350 Symbolic Logic (5)
The course is designed to develop our understanding of different logical notions, such as validity, consistency, logical truth and the formal structures that underlie good reasoning. There will be a focus on developing an ability to translate from a natural language to formal languages such as the propositional and predicate calculus, and a focus on developing an ability to use formal proof systems."

[jdhopeful11]

It won't really help. It will teach you how to think critically about everyday situations and society as well as assessing situations objectively.

[arean.ryan]

focus on developing an ability to translate from a natural language to formal languages such as the propositional and predicate calculus, and a focus on developing an ability to use formal proof systems."

My Elementary Logic class taught on formal proofs as well as propositional calculus. I really wanted to take symbolic logic as well but I graduated too soon

[phernandez10]

focus on developing an ability to translate from a natural language to formal languages such as the propositional and predicate calculus, and a focus on developing an ability to use formal proof systems."

My Elementary Logic class taught on formal proofs as well as propositional calculus. I really wanted to take symbolic logic as well but I graduated too soon

Most of my classmates couldn't understand categorical syllogisms so we spent most of the quarter on that alone. As for the Symbolic Logic course I suggest you go back . Symbolic Logic was one of the main reasons I decided to major in philosophy.

[Chris_cpb]

The basics of LR can be learned on your own, and this class probably wouldn't help for the more complex, difficult LR problems. I would not recommend it.

[jay115]

I disagree. IMO, majoring in philosophy saved my LSAT score.

[Chris_cpb]

I disagree. IMO, majoring in philosophy saved my LSAT score.

Disagree with what? A single introductory course in the basics of critical thinking is hardly relevant to taking complex 300+ level philosophy courses.

[jay115]

I disagree. IMO, majoring in philosophy saved my LSAT score.

Disagree with what? A single introductory course in the basics of critical thinking is hardly relevant to taking complex 300+ level philosophy courses.

You think learning about Kant's metaphysics or advanced political philosophy helps with the basics of logical reasoning? No - it was just the constant exposure to logical fallacies, regardless of topic or debate. Slowly, exposure leads to acclimation and recognition. This class sounds like a good introductory course for a non-philosophy major.

[Chris_cpb]

I disagree. IMO, majoring in philosophy saved my LSAT score.

Disagree with what? A single introductory course in the basics of critical thinking is hardly relevant to taking complex 300+ level philosophy courses.

You think learning about Kant's metaphysics or advanced political philosophy helps with the basics of logical reasoning? No - it was just the constant exposure to logical fallacies, regardless of topic or debate. Slowly, exposure leads to acclimation and recognition. This class sounds like a good introductory course for a non-philosophy major.

I took a class called something like "aesthetics of classic masterpieces" and it was one of my favorite classes ever! We looked at some stuff with Kant if I recall. Anyway, my point with the argument is that advanced logical reasoning strategies cannot be learned from an intro 'critical thinking' course while the basic logical reasoning strategies are almost common sense. I would, however, agree that this would be a fun class to take.