January 2003 Michigan Theological Seminary ThN 6:00-7:40
TH 412 Logic and Critical Thinking
2 credit hours
Richard A. Ostella, D.Min.
Course description
This course may be described as the study and practice of fundamental principles and procedures of logic. Attention is given to both proper and improper logic in formal and informal fallacies.
Objectives
The purpose of this course is to develop and improve reasoning skills through the study of argument recognition and analysis with respect to syllogisms and truth functional arguments.
By the end of this course you should understand why logic is a theology course and why the main theme throughout the course is argument. You should have built a working "logic vocabulary" including such terms as valid, sound, fallacy, petitio princippii, constant, logical operator, etc. Keeping a distinct vocabulary log of every new term you hear is advisable. At the time of the final, you should be able to define a host of terms, construct a valid argument, identify fallacies in arguments, arrow diagram argument structure, properly construct and interpret Venn diagrams, handle truth functional arguments and explain arguments found in Scripture and in theological discourse.
In the end, you should come to appreciate at least two things. First, you should grow in appreciation for the far-reaching importance of logic in relation to theology and ministry of the word of God. Second, you should develop appreciation for the ethical character of critical thinking as not only an intellectual necessity but as a moral necessity required by godliness
.Course Requirements
Reading
1. Logic and Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Theological Method (hereafter LCT) by R. Ostella (Internet Source, January 2003 at westminsterreformedchurch.org; go to logic link then table of contents, cf. p. 4 of this syllabus. At the end of each chapter you will find exercise work sheets for homework and in class lab work).
2. John Frame, "Logic as a tool of theology," in Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, 1987, 243-301).
3. _________ "The Problem of Theological Paradox" in Foundations of Christian Scholarship (Ross House Press, 1979). Also published separately as Van Til: The Theologian (Pilgrim, 1976).
4. Wesley Sermon on Free Grace (Use the Internet Source at the wrc site because of the paragraph and sentence numbering that has been done to standardize analysis).
5. Whitefield Letter to Wesley (Use the Internet Source at the wrc site because of the paragraph and sentence numbering that has been done to standardize analysis).
6. B. B. Warfield, "The Religious Life of Theological Students" in Selected Shorter Writings of Benjamin B. Warfield (Presbyterian and Reformed, 1970, Vol. I, 411-425).
7. _______ "The Idea of Systematic Theology" in Studies in Theology (Banner, 1988, parts V and VIII, pp. 63-68, 79-87).
8. F. Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Vol. I, xxxiii-xlii; 1-54.
9. Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 1, Sections 1-10, "Of the Holy Scripture" (especially section 6).
10. Jonathan Edwards, "A Divine and Supernatural Light" in Works of Jonathan Edwards (Banner, 1976, Vol. II, 12-17). This is also available from the wrc site with an edited outline but without paragraph/sentence numbering).
Supplemental Bibliography
Irving Copi, Introduction to Logic (Macmillian, 1994), 1-164
Robert Churchill, Logic: An Introduction (St. Martins, 1990), 1-68, 212-293
Homework Exercises
Regular exercises are indispensable for skill development. Concentrate on exercises in Logic and Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Theological Method (LTC); these will be discussed in class. We will not be able to discuss all of the examples but you are responsible for all of them on tests and exams. It is up to you to call for discussion of any about which you have questions. The standard works on logic cited above furnish you with many more examples, explanations, and exercises. On places where you have difficulty, more than one of these sources will help you find your way. Finally, you may find it helpful to work on the exercises and concepts of this course in groups. Practice is needed, which is why the course has a weekly lecture, lab, quiz pattern.
Quizzes and Exams
Each class will usually begin with a quiz over the materials covered in the previous lecture and lab. A cumulative final exam will be taken on the last day of class. The final will include a variety of formats from multiple-choice to essay (take special note of definitions).
Writing (late work will only be accepted with grade reductions of 5% per day late)
1) Arrow Diagram Whitefield’s Justice Argument. 1st draft Due February 6 (2nd due Apr. 24th)
In my numbering it is counter argument 11 [CA 11]. It is a reply to Wesley’s comfort/unchangeable doom argument, which is Wesley’s 17th paragraph that I list as his 8th argument (8)
2) Formulate a truth functional proof of Whitefield’s Justice Argument. 1st draft Due April 10(2nd due Apr. 24th)
3) Write a two page explanation and critical analysis of Whitefield’s Justice Argument.
Good grammar and proper mechanics are important. But precision, specificity, clarity, and fairness in critical analysis with good reasoning are most important! A critical analysis must contain careful attention to lines of reasoning and evaluative comments that are themselves supported. Due April 24
Attendance
There is an important "one anothering" side to classroom instruction where we are all to do our best to advance mutual enrichment. Therefore, the instructor reserves the right to reduce a final grade for absences or general non-preparedness for participation in class discussion. Per the catalog, four absences (3.75 to be exact) constitute an automatic failure in this course, which can be appealed to the academic dean in cases of extenuating circumstances (p. 18).
MTS Grading Scale
Grading Distribution
Reading (10 points; reading for profit is worth ten points. You will grade yourself for this part assigning a number from one to ten ;it will be reported on the final exam).
Weekly quizzes (30 points)
Paper (30 points; there are 3 parts assigned 10 points each)
Final exam (30 points)
Instructor: Dr. Richard Ostella
E-mail: rostella@comcast.net
Web address: westminsterreformedchurch.org
MTS office hours, 4:45-5:45 PM on the day the class meets (by appointment)
Class Schedule
January 16
Introduction, Justification of Logic, and Philosophy of Logic, LCT, 1-3
January 23
Quiz
Argument recognition, LCT, 4
January 30
Quiz
Arrow diagramming, LCT, 5
February 6
Quiz
Arrow diagrams due. 1) Arrow Diagramming WS3 per the numbering in the IT Source, 2) Arrow diagram Whitefield’s Justice Argument (this is 1st draft; 2nd draft due April 24). Again, in my numbering it is counter argument 11 [CA 11]. It is a reply to Wesley’s comfort/unchangeable doom argument, which is Wesley’s 17th paragraph that I list as his 8th argument (8).
We will discuss these diagrams in class and others where time permits.
February 13
Quiz
Validity (DV, IV), LCT, 6-7
February 20
Quiz
Soundness, LCT, 8
February 27
Quiz
Standard categorical statements and syllogisms, LCT, 9-10
March 6
Quiz
Venn Diagrams, LCT, 11
March 13
Quiz
Truth functional compound statements, LCT, 12
March 20
Quiz
Conjunctions, disjunctions, formal proofs, LCT, 13
March 27
Quiz
Conditionals, CE and informal proofs, LCT, 14-15
April 3
Quiz
Lab
April 10
Lab assignment due: 1st draft of a truth functional proof of Whitefield’s Justice Argument.
2nd draft will be due April 24th
April 17
Conclusion, LCT, 16
Focus on the final exam
April 24
Final Exam
Critical Analysis Due
2nd draft of the arrow diagram of Whitefield’s Justice Argument Due
2nd draft of the truth functional proof of Whitefield’s Justice Argument Due
Reading % Due (log a 1-10 for the reading in the space provided on the final exam)