Welcome to PHIL 206: Logic and Scientific Reasoning
This course will introduce students to basic concepts in scientific reasoning by way of a broader study of human reasoning and decision-making. We will look at the ways in which we are prone to cognitive biases and systematic irrationality, and how scientific methods can correct for these biases. The course will also introduce basic concepts in logic and argumentation theory.
Topics will include the psychology of belief and decision-making; the "two systems" theory of human rationality; the "biases and heuristics" tradition in psychology; the sciences of influence and persuasion; the relationship between persuasion, power and propaganda. Topics in logic and argumentation will include the definitions of good and bad arguments, deductive vs inductive arguments, good vs bad generalizations, and an introduction to Bayesian reasoning. |