This novel web-based course introduces students to central issues in logic and develops their ability for constructing and refuting arguments. It addresses the question: How can one analyze the structure of rational discourse or, more specifically, the logical structure of argumentation? An answer to this question requires: (i)uncovering the logical form of statements; (ii)defining the correctness of logical steps; (iii)formulating correct inference rules for the logical forms; (iv)designing strategies for argumentation with the inference rules. The course takes these steps for both sentential and quantificational logic. Presentation: The material is presented on-line, though some exercises must be done with pen and paper. Additional reading of a historical character will complement the systematic on-line presentation. Weekly small discussion meetings with collaborative reviews, substantive discussions and cricitical reflections supplement the on-line presentation.
