PHIL2682: Semester 1, 2023

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Units PHIL2682 Semester 1 2023 [Normal day]

Unit of study_

PHIL2682: Inductive Logic

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Many of the arguments that one encounters in scientific practice and everyday discourse are not deductively valid; the truth of the arguments' premises does not guarantee that the arguments' conclusions are true. Still, it seems that at least some of these arguments have premises that support their conclusions. But what exactly do we mean by "support"? Can we make sense of it using probability? Inductive logic addresses these questions and investigates how the answers bear on the foundations of scientific reasoning.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHIL2682
Academic unit	Philosophy
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	PHIL2678
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Philosophy
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Nielsen, michael.nielsen@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Problem set 1 Problem set on basic deductive logic	10%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Mar 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Probelm set 2 Problem set covering basic probability and induction	10%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem set 3 Problem set on induction and experimental methods	10%	Week 07 Due date: 05 Apr 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem set 4 Problem set on experimental methods	10%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Apr 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment Cumulative assessment with problems on every topic in the unit.	40%	Week 11 Due date: 09 May 2023 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem set 5 Problem set on probability calculus	10%	Week 11 Due date: 10 May 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem set 6 Problem set on interpretation of probability and applications to science	10%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2023 at 11:59	420 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

To be eligible to pass the unit, you must attempt at least 4 of the 6 problem sets, and you must score at least 50% in the exam.

Problem Sets (6 total): You will have a problem set every other week, starting in week 3. Each problem set will cover topics from the previous two weeks’ lectures and readings (e.g. problem set 1 covers weeks 1 and 2, problem set 2 covers weeks 3 and 4, etc.). We will practice problems like the ones in problem sets in tutorials.
Final exam: This is a cumulative assignment with problems covering all the topics of the unit. It will basically be a longer, cumulative problem set.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85-100
Distinction	75-84
Credit	65-74
Pass	50-64
Fail	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% deduction per day late, up to 10 days

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Basic deductive logic	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Basic deductive logic	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Probability and induction	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Problems of induction	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Problems of induction	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Experimental methods	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Experimental methods	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Probability calculus	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Probability calculus	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Interpretations of probability	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Probability and scientific method	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Review	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Use inductive logic to evaluate arguments that are invalid in classical deductive logic
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic probability theory and its applications to inductive reasoning
LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of the traditional philosophical problem of induction and various responses to it
LO4. Apply inductive logic to philosophical questions about the scientific method
LO5. Understand the differences between classical deductive logic and inductive logic

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is offered for the first time in 2023.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

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