Jimma University

College of law and Governance

Course Title: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (LoCT 1011) 3Cr.hrs.
Course Offered: To All Freshman, Year: I, sem. I) 2021/2022 A/y
Course Instructor Kaso Teha Email [email protected]
Main campus: Dep’t of Civics and Ethical Studies
Course Description:
This course attempts to introduce students with the fundamental concepts of logical reasoning. The
purpose of the course is to enable students to develop the skills required to construct sound
arguments of their own and the ability to critically evaluate the arguments of others. Moreover, the
course enables students to cultivate the habits of critical thinking and develop the sensitivity to a
clear and accurate use of language in constructing sound arguments in their day to day life. The
course deals with the application of the principles of rationalway of thinking in effort to grasp the
truth. For this reason, it endeavors to introduce the basic concepts of logic and methods of logical
reasoning.

Course Objectives: After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
 Familiarize themselves with the fundamental concepts of logic,
 Cultivate the habits of critical thinking,
 Comprehend the various conceptual tools used to evaluate arguments,
 Appreciate the importance of avoiding emotive language in presenting arguments,
 While most Logical concepts are intuitive to integrate and apply these concepts consistently
and rationally, students should take intensive effort, study and reflection.
Course Contents
Chapter One: Introducing Philosophy
1.1. Meaning and Nature of Philosophy
1.2. Basic Features of Philosophy
1.3. Core Fields of Philosophy
1.5.1. Metaphysics
1.5.2. Epistemology
1.5.3. Axiology
1.5.4. Ethics

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 1.5.5. Aesthetics
1.5.6. Logic
1.6. Importance of Learning Philosophy
Chapter Two: Basic Concepts of Logic
2.1. Arguments, Premises and Conclusions
2.2. Techniques of Recognizing Arguments
3.1.1. Recognizing Argumentative Passages
3.1.2. Recognizing Non-argumentative Passages
2.3. Types of Arguments: Deduction and Induction
2.3.1. Deductive Arguments
2.3.2. Inductive Arguments
2.3.3. Differentiating Deductive and Inductive Arguments
2.4. Evaluating Arguments
2.4.1. Evaluating Deductive Arguments: Validity, Truth, and Soundness
2.4.2. Evaluating Inductive Arguments: Strength, Truth, and Cogency
Chapter Three: Basic Concepts of Critical Thinking
2.1. Meaning of Critical Thinking
2.2. Standards of Critical Thinking
2.3. Codes of Intellectual Conduct for Effective Discussion
2.3.1. Principles of Good Argument
2.3.2. Principles of Critical Thinking
2.4. Characteristics of Critical Thinking
2.4.1. Basic Traits of Critical Thinkers
2.4.2. Basic Traits of Uncritical Thinkers
2.5. Barriers to Critical Thinking
2.6. Benefits of Critical Thinking
Chapter Four: Logic and Language
4.1. Philosophy of Language: An overview
4.1.1. What is Philosophy of Language?
4.2. Logic and Meaning
4.2.1. The Functions of Language: Cognitive and Emotive Meanings

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 4.2.2. The Intension and Extension of Terms
4.2.3. Logic and Definition
4.3. Meaning, Types, and Purposes of Definitions
4.3.1. The Meaning of Definition
4.3.2. The Types and Purposes of Definitions
4.4. Techniques of Definition
4.4.1. The Extensional (Denotative) Definitional Techniques
4.4.2. The Intensional (Connotative)Definitional Techniques
4.5. Criteria for Lexical Definitions
Chapter Five: Informal Fallacy
5.1. Fallacy in General
5.1.1. The Meaning of Fallacy
5.1.2. Types of Fallacies
5.2. Informal fallacies
5.2.1. Fallacies of Relevance
5.2.2. Fallacies of Weak Induction
5.2.3. Fallacies of Presumption
5.2.4. Fallacies of Ambiguity
5.2.5. Fallacies of Grammatical Analogy
Chapter Six: Categorical Propositions
6.1. General Introduction
6.1.1. Standard-Forms of Categorical Proposition
6.1.2. The Components of Categorical Propositions
6.2. Attributes of Categorical Propositions: Quality, Quantity, and Distribution
6.3. Venn Diagrams and the Modern Square of Opposition
6.3.1. Representing Categorical Propositions in Diagrams
6.3.2. Squares of Opposition: Traditional and Modern Squares of Opposition
6.3.3. The Traditional Square of Opposition
6.4. Evaluating Immediate Inferences: Using Venn Diagrams and Square of Oppositions
6.5. Logical Operations: Conversion, Obversion, and Contraposition

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Course Requirements
Regular attendance, well-prepared and thoughtful class participation is mandatory for the successful
completion of the course. Students are, therefore, strongly advised to attend classes regularly; to read
the assigned texts in advance; and, to engage themselves in class discussions.

Evaluation of Students’ Performance and Grading: Requirements and Modes ofAssessments

 Assignments (15%)
 Mid Term Exam (30%)
 Attendance +Participation (5%)
 Final Exam (50%)

Grade Setting provided by the program curriculum

[100.00, A+, 90.00](90.00, A, 85.00](85.00, A-, 80.00]

(80.00, B+, 75.00](75.00, B, 70.00](70.00, B-, 65.00]
(65.00, C+, 60.00](60.00, C, 50.00](50.00, C-, 45.00]
(45.00, D, 40.00](40.00, Fx, 30.00](30.00, F,00.00]

Course References

Copi,I.M. (2015). Introduction to Logic (14thed).

Miller, E.D. (2009). Questions That Matter: An Invitation to Philosophy (6thed).
Patrick, H. (2010). A Concise Introduction to Logic (11thed).
Fisher, Alec. Critical Thinking: An Introduction. 2011. Short Run, UK. 2ed.
Www.amazon.ca› ... › Philosophy › Logic Amazon.com, Inc.