Logic 335 - Conditionals in Languages

CONDITIONALS IN LANGUAGES

Spring
2020
01
4.00
Theresa Helke
T 07:00-09:30
Smith College
30627-S20
MCCONN 403
thelke@smith.edu
30628
Same as PHI 335. Consider the following argument: ‘If you don’t buy a lottery ticket, then you can’t
win the lottery. But you can win the lottery. Therefore, you do buy a lottery ticket.’ Modus tollens is a classically valid argument form. But this appears to be a counterexample. You might well not buy a ticket. In this seminar, we’ll study different theories of conditionals – statements of the form ‘If A, then B’ – in formal and natural languages. We’ll do so in the context of the paradox above and others, seeking a theory that can solve them. (E)
Instructor Permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores
Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.