Philosophy 151: Introduction to Logic and Legal Reasoning
Autumn 2011
Monday and Wednesday 11:30 – 1:18 Cunz Hall 0180
Instructor: Tim Fuller
Email: fuller.193@osu.edu
Office: University Hall 214
Office Phone: 614‐292‐3663
Office Hours: Mon. 1:30 – 3:30, and by appointment.
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of deductive and inductive logic
with a particular emphasis on their application to legal contexts. We will learn precisely what an
argument is, the various structures arguments can take, the proper methods for evaluating
them, and various common and tempting fallacies. We will also briefly discuss the basic
principles and methods of symbolic logic, including symbolization, truth tables, and deductions.
Our primary method of learning about these topics will be an examination of broadly legal
contexts: judicial opinions, case facts, jury selection, etc. By the end of the course, students will
be equipped both for further, rigorous study of logic and for continuing study of legal
reasoning.1
Course Materials and Requirements
The course text is Critical Thinking: Consider the Verdict, 6th edition, by Waller.
(ISBN-10: 0205158668)
Note: there will also be handouts and other materials posted to the carmen website for this
course. Please check your email regularly for announcements about documents that are
uploaded to carmen and that you may be asked to read and/or print out for class.
Evaluation: Your grade will be determined on the basis of two non‐cumulative midterm exams
and a cumulative final exam. The midterms will each be worth 30% of your final grade; the final
exam will be worth 40% of your final grade.
The following are tentative dates for the exams; firm dates will depend upon our progress and
they will be announced in class.
First midterm: Wednesday, October 19th.
Second midterm: Wednesday, November 9th.
Final exam: Thursday, December 8th at 11:30 a.m.
Policies
This course fulfills the Mathematical and Logical Analysis portion of the Quantitative and Logical Skills GEC
requirement. The goals of courses that fulfill the Quantitative and Logical Skills GEC requirement are:
* Students develop skills in quantitative literacy and logical reasoning, including the ability to identify valid
arguments, use mathematical models, and draw conclusions and critically evaluate results based on data.
Mathematical and Logical Analysis courses in particular have the following expected learning outcomes:
* Students comprehend mathematical concepts and methods adequate to construct valid arguments, understand
inductive and deductive reasoning, and increase their general problem solving skills.
We shall meet these goals by studying logical principles in legal contexts.
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Attendance: Attendance at non‐exam class meetings will not be an explicit component of your
grade. You are, however, required to attend the exams except in the case of a genuine emergency
for which you have given advance notice. In those cases, you are required to make up the exam
promptly. An unexcused absence at an exam will result in a failing grade for the course.
You are responsible for all material covered in class, including material that is not contained in
the course text, regardless of whether or not you were in attendance. Much of this material is
very difficult, even for regular attendees. For these reasons, attendance is strongly encouraged.
Participation: Frequent and helpful participation will have a positive impact on your grade.
Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated in any form or to any degree. You are expected to
adhere at all times to Ohio State’s Code of Student Conduct and it is your responsibility to be
aware of what is contained in it. All work you turn in for this course must be your original work
and yours alone. Plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and so on are wrong and they
undermine your education and your institution. I will report, as I am required to do, any
suspected violations of the Code of Student Conduct to the Committee on Academic Misconduct.
You may read the Code of Student Conduct at: http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp.
Disability Services: If you feel you need accommodation based on the impact of a disability, you
should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You should also contact the Office for
Disability Services in 150 Pomerene Hall (614‐292‐3307) to arrange accommodations.
Tentative Schedule
This schedule is just tentative: exactly what will be covered in each meeting will depend upon
our pace and our interests. Specific assignments will be announced in class.
Week 1: No class 9/21.
Week 2: Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2
Week 3: Chapters 2 (continued) & 3
Week 4: Chapters 3 (continued) & 4
Week 5: Chapter 5 & Midterm 1 (10/19)
Week 6: Chapters 6 & 7
Week 7: Chapter 8 & 10
Week 8: Chapters 10 continued & Midterm 2 (11/9)
Week 9: Chapters 11 & 13
Week 10: Chapters 14 & 15
Week 11: Chapters 15 (continued) & 16
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