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Watch An Introduction to Formal Logic
- 2016
- 1 Season
An Introduction to Formal Logic from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Steven Gimbel is an educational series aimed at helping laypeople understand the fundamental concepts of logic, employing a combination of lectures, graphics, and engaging examples. Throughout the course, Prof. Gimbel teaches viewers how to think more clearly and effectively, using the principles of formal logic to make better arguments, spot fallacious reasoning, and improve their overall critical thinking skills.
The course is divided into two main parts, each consisting of several lectures that build upon one another, progressing from the basic concepts of logical reasoning to more advanced ideas such as proof theory and model theory. Part One of the course covers topics like propositional logic, truth tables, and the laws of logic, introducing the viewer to the basic language and tools of formal logic. From there, the course moves onto predicate logic, which introduces the concept of variables and quantifiers, and explains how to translate natural language statements into formal notation.
Along the way, Prof. Gimbel draws on a wide range of real-world examples to illustrate the concepts he is teaching, from the logic of voting systems to the rules of inference used in artificial intelligence programs. He also shows viewers how to construct logical arguments step-by-step, demonstrating how even complex reasoning can be simplified using the tools of formal logic.
Part Two of the course delves into more advanced topics, including proof theory, which teaches viewers how to construct formal proofs using mathematical notation, and model theory, which explains how to interpret logical statements in relation to specific scenarios or models. This section of the course also covers topics like modal logic, which deals with the concepts of necessity and possibility, and the logic of relations, which explores how to reason about relationships between objects.
Throughout the course, Prof. Gimbel emphasizes the importance of clear thinking and precise language, providing viewers with a range of tools and techniques for analyzing arguments and identifying common errors in reasoning. He also encourages the viewer to think critically about how logical principles apply to real-world situations, showing how a deeper understanding of formal logic can help us navigate complex ethical dilemmas, evaluate scientific evidence, and make better decisions in our personal and professional lives.
Overall, An Introduction to Formal Logic from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Steven Gimbel is a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the principles of formal logic, designed to help viewers think more clearly and effectively in all areas of their lives. Whether you are a student struggling with math or science classes, a professional looking to improve your critical thinking skills, or simply someone who wants to better understand the world around them, this course is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to enhance their reasoning abilities.
An Introduction to Formal Logic is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between November 1, 2016 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection