Week 2-3: Logic and Epistomology

This week we looked at formal logical fallacies, and suggested the interaction between language and mathematics as the basis for epistemology. You are currently reading Chapters 7 and 8 on Reason and and the various Areas of Knowledge described in the TOK learner profile. Here is a basic summary of the points from this week:

1. Week 1's discussion of the Ways of Knowing introduction, as well as the "Knower" as comprised of memories (and the limitations therein). I introduced the "Knowledge Prism"

 2. Rational v. Empirical, and Plato's "Justified True Belief" model of knowledge. This will be our working definition, and will be clarified and expanded throughout the course.

 3. Formal Logic is comprised of prepositions that necessitate a particular conclusion. This is developed with a syntax that follows certain prepositional rules called the "Laws of Logic".

4. When those Logical rules are not followed, or the prepositions in a logical syllogism are incorrectly distributed, a fallacy is created.

5. There is a difference between informal and formal fallacies. Informal fallacies have more to do with topical argument and language than with structure and math.




 This week's Assignment:

TOK Chs. 7-8, p. 94-132

Team 1: 94-100
Team 2: 101-106
Team 3: 107-113
Team 4: 114-120
Team 5: 121-127
Team 6: 128-132


 Philosopher Portrait: Rene Descarte
 Blog 2: Identifying Formal and Informal Fallacies