Humanities and Social Sciences

Philosophy Program

Logic

Logic is a discipline that attracts students from all over the Bundoora campus. It is a very general discipline applying to all areas of human endeavour, and so it is a good field to work into any degree. Logic is the study of arguments, which can occur in informal contexts such as in ordinary discourse, as well as in formal contexts such as in computing and mathematics. For informal arguments, logic develops some criteria for distinguishing good arguments from bad arguments. For formal arguments, we symbolize them and then test them to see whether they are valid or not, using a variety of methods.

• Career prospects
• The Logic units
• Contact information

Career prospects

Logic combines well with other disciplines, enhancing them and improving job opportunities to which these disciplines would normally give rise. Newspapers and media indicate that employers want their employees to display critical thinking and communication skills, both of which can be enhanced by studying logic subjects, which provide skills in logical analysis and argumentation.

“The top three key selection criteria used for recruiting graduates were a graduate's Interpersonal and Communication Skills (54.2 per cent of respondents), Critical Reasoning & Analytical Skills / Problem Solving/ Lateral Thinking/ Technical Skills (40.6 per cent), and Passion/ Knowledge of Industry/ Drive/ Commitment/ Attitude (39.9 percent).” (SnapShot: Graduate Outlook 2007; A Summary of the Graduate Outlook Survey; Graduate Careers Australia Ltd. http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/index.php/content/view/full/2675 accessed 23/10/08. Emphasis not in the original)

The Logic Units

FIRST YEAR
Critical Thinking (PHI1CRT) is an introductory unit at first year level that introduces logic as a discipline.

SECOND AND THIRD YEAR

We offer two units that provide students with a grounding in the discipline of logic and the opportunity to begin their study at a higher level. These are Logic (PHI2/3LOG) and Frontiers of Logic (PHI2/3FOL). Of particular relevance too is the subject The Ways of Paradox (PHI2/3TWP), as this involves logical analysis.

For unit descriptions search the Unit Database by typing in the unit code. These descriptions should help you to choose a unit that suits your interests.

FOURTH YEAR

The fourth year unit Paradoxes may be included in an honours year and a student may choose an aspect of logic for their thesis thesis.

For further information contact:

Ross Brady
Associate Professor
Tel: 61 3 9479 2487
Fax: 61 3 9479 3639
Email: Ross.Brady@latrobe.edu.au