PHIL 017 - Logic & Critical Reasoning

    Recent Professors
    Tristan Rogers, Andrew Delunas, Barbara Upton
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2022
    Class Size
    38 students
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    ENGL C1000
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of PHIL 017
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 1B · IGETC Area 1B · CSU GE Area A3
    Description
    This course is an introduction to critical thinking and critical writing. The students have the opportunity to learn techniques of practical reasoning and argumentation, with emphasis on the application of these techniques in the writing of a sequence of argumentative essays. Topics include: critical reading, argument analysis, recognizing propaganda and stereotypes, clarifying ambiguity, meaning and definition, evaluating evidence, logical correctness vs factual correctness, and common mistakes in reasoning (formal and informal fallacies). The class emphasizes critical writing strategies. Sample arguments from philosophy and from culturally diverse sources in other disciplines are analyzed.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 12:30pm–1:55pm