Fall 2016

PHI 108-04

Instructor: Ali Pharaa (Ali.Pharaa@StonyBrook.edu)

Office Hours: Harriman Hall 156 MWF 10-11AM (or by appointment)

*This syllabus is revisable according to schedule changes, student interests, etc.

Course Description:
The principal aim of this course is to help a student acquire the skills of thinking,
reading, and writing critically. Each week starts off by engaging basic logical concepts,
then extending these concepts within philosophical works and critical articles, finally
working toward lively in-group discussions and in-class debates. Genslers Introduction
to Logic provides the basic logical framework and Platos Republic bridges theoretical
concepts with diverse philosophical works and ongoing debates on gender, race,
economic class relations, the justice system, etc. The semester is divided into five main
themes: 1. What is justice? 2. The problem of education and learning. 3. Political regimes
and their justifications. 4. The Margins: Gender, Race, Economic Classes. 5. Deviant
Logic.
Required Textbooks: Bring HARDCOPIES to class
- (G): Gensler, H. J. (2010). Introduction to Logic (2nd Edition ed.). New York:
Routledge. ($41.53 on Amazon)
- (P): Plato. (1991). The Republic of Plato (2nd Edition ed.). (A. Bloom, Trans.)
New York: Basic Books. ($12.81 on Amazon)
- (H): Handouts
Learning Objective:
- Understand basic logical concepts, expressions, and techniques.
- Critically apply logical concepts to philosophical texts, literary works, ongoing
debates, and contemporary issues.
- Be able to convey their ideas in a relatable and engaging fashion to fellow
students.
- Improve coordinating skills within a group and taking responsibility for fellow
teammates.
- Produce succinct and clear short essays and responses that combine logical
concepts with a critical interpretation of issues.
Class Policies:
NO ELECTRONICS: All cellphones, laptops, e-pads, etc. must be avoided
through out class time. Failure to do so will result in expulsion.
Arbitrary assignment of groups.
Bring relevant books and handouts (printed) to class. Students will be called on to
read passages and share opinions.
Readings and Assignments are for that day. Students must turn in assignments at
the beginning of class and be prepared to discuss readings listed for that day.

Grading Criteria:
19% Homework: Blackboard
19% In-class quizzes: Every class from 9am-9:05am (BE ON TIME 8:55am)
10% In-class group work:
o 6% individual grade, 4% group grade
40% Exams Cumulative: 4 exams each 10% each
12% Final Cumulative
For each absent, 1% will be deducted from total grade.
Disability Support Services:
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that
may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support
Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building,
room128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what
accommodations, if any, are necessary and appropriate. All information
and documentation is confidential. Students who require assistance
during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs
with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures
and information go to the following website:
http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilites
Academic Integrity Statement:
Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally
accountable for all submitted work. Representing another persons work as your own is
always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instances of academic
dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. Faculty in the Health Sciences Center (School of
Health Technology & Management, Nursing, Social Welfare, Dental Medicine) and
School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures. For more
comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic
dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at
http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/
Critical Incident Management:
Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of
other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive
behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning
environment, or inhibits students ability to learn. Faculty in the HSC Schools and the
School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures.

DATE
1. Mon 8/29
2. Wed 8/31
3. Fri 9/2
Mon 9/5
4. Wed 9/7
5. Fri 9/9
6. Mon 9/12
7. Wed 9/14
8. Fri 9/16
9. Mon 9/19
10. Wed 9/21
11. Fri 9/23
12. Mon 9/26
13. Wed 9/28
14. Fri 9/30
15. Mon 10/3
16. Wed 10/5
17. Fri 10/7
18. Mon 10/10
19. Wed 10/12
20. Fri 10/14
21. Mon 10/17
22. Wed 10/19
23. Fri 10/21
24. Mon 10/24
25. Wed 10/26
26. Fri 10/28
27. Mon 10/31
28. Wed 11/2
29. Fri 11/4
30. Mon 11/7
31. Wed 11/9
32. Fri 11/11
33. Mon 11/14
34. Wed 11/16
35. Fri 11/18
36. Mon 11/21
Wed-Fri 11/23-27
37. Mon 11/28
38. Wed 11/30
39. Fri 12/2
40. Mon 12/5

READINGS
G: Chapter 1
P1: 327a to 336d & 347a to 351e
H: Blackboard Reading 1
G: Chapter 2 Syllogistic Logic
P2: 357a to 373e
G: Chapter 3 Meaning and Def.
P3: 373e to 383c
G: Chapter 4 Fallacies/Arguments
P4: CHECK BB Book III
H: Blackboard Reading 2
G: Chapter 5 Inductive Reasoning
P5: CHECK BB Book III
H: Blackboard Reading 3
G: Chapter 5 Inductive Reasoning
P6: CHECK BB Book IV
G: Chapter 6 Propositional Logic
P7: CHECK BB Book IV
H: Blackboard Reading 4
G: Chapter 6 Propositional Logic
P8: CHECK BB Book VIII
H: Blackboard Reading 5
G: Chapter 7 Propositional Proofs
P9: CHECK BB Book VIII
G: Chapter 7 Propositional Proofs
P10: CHECK BB
H: Blackboard Reading 6
G: Chapter 7 Propositional Proofs
P11: CHECK BB
H: Blackboard Reading 7
G: Chapter 7 Propositional Proofs
P12: CHECK BB
H: Blackboard Reading 8
G: Chapter 16 History of Logic
P13: CHECK BB
H: Blackboard Reading 9
G: Chapter 18 Philosophy of Logic

ASSINGMNETS
HW/Quiz1 (both in-class)
HW2 (11:59pm 8/30); Quiz 2
HW3 (11:59pm 9/1); Quiz 3
LABOR DAY-NO CLASS
HW4 (11:59pm 9/6); Quiz 4
HW5 (11:59pm 9/8); Quiz 5
HW6 (11:59pm 9/11); Quiz 6
HW7 (11:59pm 9/13); Quiz 7
Exam1: Justice
HW8 (11:59pm 9/18); Quiz 8
HW9 (11:59pm 9/20); Quiz 9
HW10 (11:59pm 9/22); Quiz 10
HW11 (11:59pm 9/25); Quiz 11
HW12 (11:59pm 9/27); Quiz 12
HW13 (11:59pm 9/29); Quiz 13
HW14 (11:59pm 10/2); Quiz 14
HW15 (11:59pm 10/4); Quiz 15
Exam2: Education/Learn
HW16 (11:59pm 10/9); Quiz 16
HW17 (11:59pm 10/11); Quiz 17
HW18 (11:59pm 10/13); Quiz 18
HW19 (11:59pm 10/16); Quiz 19
HW20 (11:59pm 10/18); Quiz 20
HW21 (11:59pm 10/20); Quiz 21
HW22 (11:59pm 10/23); Quiz 22
HW23 (11:59pm 10/25); Quiz 23
Exam3: Regime Types
HW24 (11:59pm 10/30); Quiz 24
HW25 (11:59pm 11/1); Quiz 25
HW26 (11:59pm 11/3); Quiz 26
HW27 (11:59pm 11/6); Quiz 27
HW28 (11:59pm 11/8); Quiz 28
HW29 (11:59pm 11/10); Quiz 29
HW30 (11:59pm 11/13); Quiz 30
HW31 (11:59pm 11/15); Quiz 31
HW32 (11:59pm 11/17); Quiz 32
Exam4: Margins
NO CLASS Turkey Day
HW33 (11:59pm 11/27); Quiz 33
HW34 (11:59pm 11/29); Quiz 34
HW35 (11:59pm 12/1); Quiz 35
HW36 (11:59pm 12/4); Quiz 36

41. Wed 12/7

42. Fri 12/9
Groups:

P14: CHECK BB
H: Blackboard Reading 10

HW37 (11:59pm 12/6); Quiz 37

HW38 (11:59pm 12/8); Quiz 38