ML: Modal Logic and Philosophy WF-FI-212-WMAN-SWI23

During the lecture, we will present contemporary methods of modeling selected modal concepts in possible worlds semantics. For the propositional functors of necessity, possibility, and contingency, we will present the following interpretations: alethic, temporal, epistemic, deontic, and show how they can be modeled in Kripke's semantics. In this semantics we will define the most famous and philosophically attractive normal logics: K, T, B, S4, S5. We will also show deductive systems for these logics and provide proofs of the weak completeness theorem. In the second part of the lecture, we will first focus on the criteria for choosing modal logic as a useful philosophical tool. Next, we will give some examples of the application of modal logics to philosophy. First, we will present formalizations in the field of theo-ontology: formalized arguments for the existence of the Absolute of St. Anselm and Leibniz. Secondly, we will present two analyzes in the field of formal epistemology of Fitch's paradox and the Samaritan's paradox.

Term 2023/24_L:

The description matches the basic description of the item.

(in Polish) E-Learning

(in Polish) E-Learning (pełny kurs) z podziałem na grupy

(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych

(in Polish) nie dotyczy

(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS

Knowledge: The student has systematic knowledge and understands the main directions of research in the field of modal logic; knows basic research methods: knows what the interpretation of modal sentence languages in Kripke's semantics is, knows the principles of deduction formalized within selected modal logics. Skills: The student accurately defines concepts based on the acquired formal languages, correctly reconstructs the known deductive systems and is able to use them in simple non-logical reasoning. Competencies: Based on the analysis of new problem situations, the student independently formulates proposals for solving them using the known deductive systems. ECTS DESCRIPTION: participation in the lecture 30 h; preparation for the lecture 50 hours; time to complete the information from the lecture using the obligatory literature 40 h; preparation of written work 30 hours, preparation for the exam 30 hours; TOTAL HOURS 180; [180:30 =6] ECTS NUMBER 6

Subject level

elementary

Learning outcome code/codes

FI2_W03; FI2_W04; FI2_U07; FI2_U11; FI2_K06

Type of subject

obligatory

Preliminary Requirements

In the course we assume that the participant: (1) knows the basic concepts of logical semiotics such as: name, sentence (proposition), functor/operator, predicate, variable, quantifier, meaning of the name, logical value and (2) knows classical propositional logic, i.e. is able to find logical tautologies using the 0-1 method and is able to use any system of proving the theses of classical propositional logic.

Course coordinators

Kordula Świętorzecka

Learning outcomes

Skills: The student accurately defines concepts based on the acquired formal languages, correctly reconstructs the known deductive systems and is able to use them in simple extralogical reasonings.

Competencies: Based on the analysis of new problem situations, the student independently formulates proposals for solving them using the known deductive systems.

ECTS DESCRIPTION: participation in the lecture 30 h; preparation for the lecture 50 hours; time to complete the information from the lecture using the obligatory literature 40 h; preparation of written work 30 hours, preparation for the exam 30 hours; TOTAL HOURS 180; [180:30 =6] ECTS NUMBER 6

Assessment criteria

The course ends with an exam. The participant prepares a written work on a topic agreed with the teacher and defends it during the oral examination.

Practical placement

not applicable

Bibliography

-- Logics:
Garson, J. W. (2013), Modal Logic for Philosophers}, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (especially chapters 1, 2: 1--57)
Goldblatt, R. (1992), Logic of Time and Computation} (2nd ed.). Lectures Notes: 7. CPLI, Leland.
Hughes, G.E., M.J. Cresswell (1996), A New Introduction to Modal Logic, London: Routledge, London: Methuen.
Knuuttila S. (2012), History of modal traditions, in: Handbook of the History of Logic} vol. 11. 309-339, Elsevier Francis.
-- Examples of philosophical applications:
Biłat, A. (2021) The correctness and relevance of the modal ontological argument, Synthese, 199:2727–2743,
Świętorzecka, K. (2011), Some remarks on formal description of God's omnipotence, Logic and Logical Philosophy
Volume 20, 307–315
Świętorzecka, K. (2014), O modalnej naturze argumentu św. Anzelma. [...] Filozofia Nauki, v. 1, 26--35.
Świętorzecka, K. (2014), Goedel's 'Ontologischer Beweis'. Remarks on Its Philosophical Background and Variations, in: Goedel's Ontological Argument. History, Modifications, and Controversies'', K. Świętorzecka (ed.), Semper, Warsaw 2015, 1--45.
van Benthem, J, What one may come to know, Analysis 64.2, p. 95-105.

Term 2023/24_L:

The list is the same as the one included in the basic description of the subject.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of WF-FI-212-WMAN-SWI23 in USOSweb