Philosophy

• PHIL 155: Introduction to Mathematical Logic
• PHIL 165: Bioethics

PHIL 155: Introduction to Mathematical Logic

Mathematical logic is the study of certain precisely specified formal languages. In this course we will study these languages and their applications. Mathematical logic has proven to be extremely useful in a number of different disciplines. First, it are helpful in the study of good and valid reasoning. We will use these formal languages to study valid and invalid forms of reasoning, and how to distinguish them. Secondly, mathematical logic is useful in the study of natural languages, and we will see some illustrative examples of this. Finally, mathematical logic is crucial for computer science and foundational issues in mathematics. Although these latter two areas quickly get into more advanced topics, we will be able to discuss some highlights of these uses of logic.

Required Textbook

• Barwise and Etchemendy, Language Proof and Logic (2002)

A new copy of the text must be purchased. The included software comes with a password that works only for the initial purchaser. You may purchase the textbook at the Higher Grounds bookstore in person, online, or by mailing or faxing in the book order form. Refer to the online ordering site for current book prices. Please see Textbooks for textbook purchase dates.

Course Details

• Instructor: Thomas Hofweber, PhD
• Department: Philosophy
• Credit hours: 3
• UNC-Chapel Hill perspectives/requirements fulfilled: The Office of Undergraduate Curricula has links to information about which perspectives this course fulfills under the “Pre-2006 Curriculum” and which requirements it fulfills under the new curriculum (see “2006 Curriculum”).
• View sample course syllabus.

How to Enroll

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PHIL 165: Bioethics

Bioethics is by no means the exclusive domain of philosophers, but our approach is philosophical. Our debates about health-related ethical dilemmas are therefore framed by deeper, more fundamental questions about right action and justice. We also aim to develop philosophical skills, ones that have applications beyond the particular problems we consider this term, to a broad range of issues. The central skills we seek to develop are these:

• understanding ethical problems by clarifying key questions and concepts
• identifying and reconstructing arguments from passages of text
• assessing arguments
• articulating and defending your own consistent response to an ethical problem.

To develop these skills, we need literature that is clear and philosophically rich, and so we begin with James Rachels' discussion of euthanasia. We then apply his arguments to health crises in third-world countries, where AIDS has reached epidemic proportions and contraception is desperately needed. We also examine race and gender based inequities in health care, definitions of disease, and genetic engineering. We devote the final weeks of the term to discussing current topics of your choice.

This course does not presume any prior acquaintance with philosophy; however, you are presumed to have solid writing and critical reading skills.

Required Textbook

• PHIL 165 Course pack

You may purchase the textbook at the Higher Grounds bookstore in person, online, or by mailing or faxing in the book order form. Refer to the online ordering site for current book prices. Please see Textbooks for textbook purchase dates.

Course Details

• Instructor: Marc Baer
• Department: Philosophy
• Credit hours: 3
• UNC-Chapel Hill perspectives/requirements fulfilled: The Office of Undergraduate Curricula has links to information about which perspectives this course fulfills under the “Pre-2006 Curriculum” and which requirements it fulfills under the new curriculum (see “2006 Curriculum”).
• View sample course syllabus.

How to Enroll

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