PP1RA-Reason and Argument

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr George Mason
Email: g.p.mason@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enhances students’ ability to understand and construct complex arguments through the study of logic and the psychology of human reasoning. Reading: A module guide will be available. Recommended: Jamie Carlin Watson and Robert Arp, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Reasoning Well, 2nd edition, Bloomsbury, 2015.

Aims:
This module will introduce you to the basic concepts and methods of critical thinking, basic logic, and the psychology of reasoning. We will explore the ways in which philosophy supplies the tools for reasoning logically and analytically, not just about abstract theories but about problems and situations in real life. You will be introduced to techniques for evaluating claims and arguments, assessing evidence, and justifying your beliefs. A mix of lectures, seminars, structured reading, assignments, and class discussion will furnish you with the skills essential for critical and reflective thinking. These skills are essential both to further study in philosophy and to other areas of academic work. The module will provide a foundation for the complex cognitive work that will be at the centre of your future life and career. This module is compulsory for all students intending to continue with Philosophy in part 2.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module you will understand:
' what logical reasoning is and why it matters
' a variety of argument forms and styles, formal and informal, deductive and inductive
' how to construct and evaluate basic argument forms
' a range of common logical fallacies and cognitive biases, and how to recognize and avoid them
' how to analyse and evaluate passages of reasoning from contemporary and historical sources
' how to begin to represent arguments using formal methods and to recognise the symbols used in formal logic.

Additional outcomes:
You will also receive:
' training in how to write a philosophy essay.
' preparation for study of more advanced logic modules, which will examine the techniques of modern formal logic in greater depth.

Outline content:

1) What are arguments? What makes an argument good or bad?

2) Logical fallacies & cognitive biases

4) Research skills and philosophical essay writing

5) Argument structure

6) Propositional logic

7) Inductive and statistical reasoning

8) Transferable skills

9) The limits of logic

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be by means of weekly interactive lectures and a weekly seminar. In the seminars, students will practice the techniques presented in lectures, work through examples and case studies, and engage in intensive discussion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	170
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Two hours (in-class)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assignment 1: 40%

Assignment 2: 50%.

Class Test: 10%

Formative assessment methods:
Weekly homework assignments discussed in seminars.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 19 September 2023