Introduction to Modern Logic
Introduction to Modern Logic Logic is concerned with good reasoning; as such, it stands at the core of the liberal arts. In this course we will develop our reasoning skills by identifying and analyzing arguments found in philosophical, legal, and other texts, and also by formulating our own arguments. We will use the formal techniques of modern propositional and predicate logic to codify and test various reasoning strategies and specific arguments. No prior knowledge of logic, formal mathematics, or computer science is presupposed in this course, which does not count towards the PHL distribution requirement but instead towards the deductive reasoning requirement.
Introduction to Modern Logic Logic is concerned with good reasoning; as such, it stands at the core of the liberal arts. In this course we will develop our reasoning skills by identifying and analyzing arguments found in philosophical, legal, and other texts, and also by formulating our own arguments. We will use the formal techniques of modern propositional and predicate logic to codify and test various reasoning strategies and specific arguments. No prior knowledge of logic, formal mathematics, or computer science is presupposed in this course, which does not count towards the PHL distributi …Read more
A fun, thought provoking, and not too difficult course. Unless logic is something you are particularly interested in, you will likely not use much of the content from this course again. However, its an incredible fun class that makes you consider how impactful logic is in many different fields (Computer Science, Poli Sci, etc.). Juvshik grows throughout the course of the semester. He is interested in his students and remembers things about you. As he gets to know you better he will open up more and you will find yourself opening up more as well. The content in the class is, by nature, not the most interesting but he tries to make it more engaging. I recommend taking this course even if you're not a philosophy major. It is definitely something to consider if you want to find an engaging yet not too difficult class.
A fun, thought provoking, and not too difficult course. Unless logic is something you are particularly interested in, you will likely not use much of the content from this course again. However, its an incredible fun class that makes you consider how impactful logic is in many different fields (Computer Science, Poli Sci, etc.). Juvs …Read more
It could be a very entertaining or very difficult course depending on the person. If you are good at discerning mathematical patterns or enjoy games like Sudoku, Logic utilizes a very similar type of pattern recognition. Otherwise, it has potential to be hard to wrap your head around.
The class material is really interesting, and once it clicks, the rest of class is rather easy. I just didn't like professor juvshik that much. He was mean at times, and did not have passion for the topic at other times. He tries so hard to look tough but it becomes so annoying sometimes and disrespectful. Does not reply to me saying hi, or goodbye after class. idk what demons that man is fighting but i don't deserve to be treated poorly
The class material is really interesting, and once it clicks, the rest of class is rather easy. I just didn't like professor juvshik that much. He was mean at times, and did not have passion for the topic at other times. He tries so hard to look tough but it becomes so annoying sometimes and disrespectful. Does not reply to me saying …Read more
This is a review for Prof Grasswick's Feminist Epistemologies class: There is no philosophy course without constant reading. The structuring for the readings of this class is well done. They move into each other very conciously. It feels intuitive the topic of each class in the larger course structure, which I appreciate a lot. It also is a very analytical course, means you will have to make your own judgment on the quality of the material - engage with it intimately. This course really really runs ons its discussions. If everyone is precise in their understanding of the texts its crucial to read the responses on canvas before going in the class and see what everyone is interested in the reading.
This is a review for Prof Grasswick's Feminist Epistemologies class: There is no philosophy course without constant reading. The structuring for the readings of this class is well done. They move into each other very conciously. It feels intuitive the topic of each class in the larger course structure, which I appreciate a lot. It al …Read more
I recently completed the Modern Logic course, and I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations! The course offers an engaging and thorough exploration of formal logic, from foundational principles to more advanced topics like predicate logic and modal logic. What impressed me the most was the clarity with which the material was presented. Complex concepts were broken down into digestible parts, making it easy to grasp even for someone without a deep background in the subject.
I recently completed the Modern Logic course, and I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations! The course offers an engaging and thorough exploration of formal logic, from foundational principles to more advanced topics like predicate logic and modal logic. What impressed me the most was the clarity with which the material …Read more
I would say this class is definitely a solid option for people looking to get their DED credit or just have a class that requires minimal writing. Professor Grasswick is a fair grader - she won't go easy on you but she will also explain your mistakes well and all the feedback makes sense. She is also super nice and enthusiastic so the class never feels stressful to attend if that makes sense. Overall, the material is a little difficult to understand and it doesn't really apply to real life much, but if you practice often it is definitely manageable and there are lots of little assignments to keep your grade up.
I would say this class is definitely a solid option for people looking to get their DED credit or just have a class that requires minimal writing. Professor Grasswick is a fair grader - she won't go easy on you but she will also explain your mistakes well and all the feedback makes sense. She is also super nice and enthusiastic so th …Read more
This course and instructor can best be described as... ok. I found the concepts and ideas interesting as an intended philosophy major, but this class doesn't really operate as a philosophy class in relation to other classes here. It is essentially a math class, so be prepared for that. Class was typically a little unorganized and fast paced.
Although I don't see myself ever needing logic in the real world, the class was pretty interesting and fun. You have a homework problem set once a week on a few chapters of the textbook. You don't have homework due if you have a quiz during the week, however. There are five quizzes over the semester with no midterm and an exam at the end. Professor Juvshik is so nice and really wants to make sure you understand the material. If you are struggling with the homework go to his office hours and he will take time and explain the problems to you and even give you the answers in some cases. He wants his students to succeed and tries to make the material on the quizzes pretty attainable and ensures we have a lot of practice before hand. There is a learning curve with logic so make sure you do not get behind and go to him as soon as you can for help if you feel yourself starting to get lost. Overall, the course is pretty interesting and a good way to get the DED requirement for someone who does not like traditional math.
Although I don't see myself ever needing logic in the real world, the class was pretty interesting and fun. You have a homework problem set once a week on a few chapters of the textbook. You don't have homework due if you have a quiz during the week, however. There are five quizzes over the semester with no midterm and an exam at the …Read more
Juvshik is generally a helpful and accommodating professor. Logic is a course where you either get it your you don't, and he always helped those who were falling behind a bit. Although the material is fast-paced, the course grading is quite fair as long as you keep up with concepts.
Professor Grasswick is a great instructor and I really enjoyed the course content. I use the skills we learned in this class in a lot of my writing, and it is helpful prep for the LSAT for students interested in applying to law school.
Professor Tim Juvshik is a very chill person and he is always good at letting students into the learning environment. There are quizzes or homework every week to test your learning progress. It will be good for students who want to learn more about logics or philosophy.
Grasswick is a really nice lady. The course moves fast. I remember missing a few days because of extenuating circumstances and waking up a few days later in cold sweats. I have a very developed background in philosophy already, so perhaps I already had the mental benefits of logic that most people cite, but I found it all very inapplicable. You will learn how to write and read formal logic problems (VERY SIMILAR TO MATH) for formal logic tests. Beyond that, I don't know. If you like math, maybe this will be Soduku for your brain. Just prepare yourself for the very tough grading (probably the hardest of any course I have taken) and some moments where the difficulty spikes. To reiterate though, Grasswick is a kind soul who will try her best.
Grasswick is a really nice lady. The course moves fast. I remember missing a few days because of extenuating circumstances and waking up a few days later in cold sweats. I have a very developed background in philosophy already, so perhaps I already had the mental benefits of logic that most people cite, but I found it all very inappl …Read more
Professor Grasswick was wonderful professor. She was good at giving lectures and she was extremely helpful during office hours. She is truly a kind person who wants her students to learn and do well in her class. I was a little surprise by her reviews on Midd courses because she is an incredible professor who is great at her job. However, given how male dominated students are in the philosophy department, is it not a surprise that she has worse reviews on Midd courses than the male faculty in the department even though she is just as good, if not better.
Professor Grasswick was wonderful professor. She was good at giving lectures and she was extremely helpful during office hours. She is truly a kind person who wants her students to learn and do well in her class. I was a little surprise by her reviews on Midd courses because she is an incredible professor who is great at her job. How …Read more
I took this class not knowing what it was going to be about and I enjoyed the class overall. The work was difficult but not too hard to figure out if you put the time in. Professor did a great job keeping the class engaged and teaching the content.
Interesting class, more of an arithmetic class than a true philosophy class but that is nice because there's not too much reading. Some memorization but quizzes are easy enough, and so is homework. Prof is also very likable
Professor Grasswick is very kind, and her class is passable. However, it won't be easy. Also, to be clear this is a math class not a philosophy class. It feels like the whole time everyone is just guessing, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Exams were very hard, and homework was as well. The very short discussion was often not enough for everyone to grasp the topics. I also am still confused on how that class will benefit me in any other areas.
Professor Grasswick is very kind, and her class is passable. However, it won't be easy. Also, to be clear this is a math class not a philosophy class. It feels like the whole time everyone is just guessing, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Exams were very hard, and homework was as well. The very short discussion was ofte …Read more
Juvshik is a chill and fun teacher. He jokes around with the class a lot and it's a splendid vibe overall. We have readings and one homework set every week but not too much work at all. Can't see this stuff being useful in my life but it's good for the requirement.
This course is easy but not really the typical philosophy class where you read a lot about philosophers and their ideas and stuff. It's just about logic and you do a lot of things that is more like math.
I think this class is misunderstood. Personally it was not nearly as hard as people are making it seem. Prof Grasswick is super nice and not the easiest grader but she's a very fair grader. The thing is that all the material builds on itself, so plan on coming to every class. If you do put in a little time every week and stay on top of the work, this is a simple and fun class! It's easier than math or CS classes if you're just looking for the DED requirement.
I think this class is misunderstood. Personally it was not nearly as hard as people are making it seem. Prof Grasswick is super nice and not the easiest grader but she's a very fair grader. The thing is that all the material builds on itself, so plan on coming to every class. If you do put in a little time every week and stay on top …Read more
I had a fun time with this class, and as far as the narrow subject matter is concerned I did learn a lot of new things. The issue with this class, however, is that Logic in and of itself feels extremely esoteric and unapplicable. If there was more debate or practical analysis then I would feel that I gained more from this class, but instead I've essentially gained no practical skill from the class. It's pretty clear that this is just a weird requirement for philosophy majors, and even the professor obviously has a passion that lies elsewhere. Its still kinda neat, and Prof Juvshik is funny, but if your hoping to really gain something from a class I wouldn't recommend.
I had a fun time with this class, and as far as the narrow subject matter is concerned I did learn a lot of new things. The issue with this class, however, is that Logic in and of itself feels extremely esoteric and unapplicable. If there was more debate or practical analysis then I would feel that I gained more from this class, but …Read more
I originally took this course to get my deductive distribution requirement. Although the course moved quickly, I feel that if you stay on top of problem sets and utilize TA hours it is doable. Prof definitely got excited about logic, but her lecturing style wasn't effective sometimes.
This class was a waste of time. Homework was graded on effort and exams were take-home and straight-forward, so we were essentially never tested on material. Khalifa also cancelled about three weeks worth of class throughout the semester, which is frustrating at a school like Middlebury.
Heidi Grasswick obviously knows what she's talking about, but the problem is that no one else does. I took this class for the DED requirement, and found it to be near impossible. The class moves at an incredibly unfeasible pace, and we are expected to sort out all our questions in the 45 minute discussion period in small groups with other classmates, who frankly, have no idea what is going on.
Heidi Grasswick obviously knows what she's talking about, but the problem is that no one else does. I took this class for the DED requirement, and found it to be near impossible. The class moves at an incredibly unfeasible pace, and we are expected to sort out all our questions in the 45 minute discussion period in small groups with …Read more
A modern logic class is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of reasoning and critical thinking. The course typically covers symbolic logic, which involves the study of formal languages and the use of logical symbols to represent arguments and propositions. Students will learn how to identify the structure of arguments, evaluate their validity and soundness, and use deductive reasoning to draw conclusions. In a modern logic class, students will also study informal logic, which focuses on the evaluation of arguments in everyday discourse. They will learn how to recognize common fallacies, identify sources of bias and evaluate evidence. The course may also cover other topics such as modal logic, non-classical logics, and the philosophy of language. The effectiveness of a modern logic class depends on the quality of the instruction and course materials, as well as the level of student engagement. A good modern logic class should challenge students to think critically, analyze complex arguments, and develop rigorous reasoning skills. Students should be prepared to engage in a significant amount of reading and writing, as well as participate in discussions and group activities. Overall, a modern logic class can be an intellectually stimulating and valuable experience for students interested in philosophy, mathematics, computer science, law, or other fields that require strong analytical and reasoning skills. By learning the fundamentals of logic, students can develop the tools they need to navigate complex arguments and make sound judgments in a wide range of contexts.
A modern logic class is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of reasoning and critical thinking. The course typically covers symbolic logic, which involves the study of formal languages and the use of logical symbols to represent arguments and propositions. Students will learn how to identify the structure of …Read more