Introduction to Logic
*This course is intended for upper elementary students
Class Schedule
Saturdays 9:00-10:00 am PST
January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7,
February 14, (no class February 21), February 28, March 7
Note: Classes are listed in PST, click below to convert time to your time zone.
Course Overview
We hear people talking about "being logical" all the time, but most people don't actually know what that means. Mr. Spock is logical (not really). Sherlock Holmes uses deduction (hardly ever). Logic is the branch of philosophy that is essential to all the other branches (ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, epistemology). If Philosophy is learning to think well, Logic is the part that actually teaches you how to do it.
In an 8-week course we'll only be able to wade ankle deep into the ocean of Logic, but we'll introduce four aspects: thinking clearly (using categorical statements); recognizing faulty thinking (fallacies and propaganda techniques); avoiding fooling ourselves (cognitive biases), and figuring things out (deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning).
**Please note that this class is sequential, so missing any classes will mean that your child will miss the foundation for the next class. We plan to start promptly on time with whoever is there, and those who arrive late will have to do their best to catch up.
Students will:
- begin to use categorical statements to clarify arguments.
- begin to recognize fallacies and propaganda techniques in real life.
- learn about confirmation bias, and how it affects us and our world every day.
- learn the differences between deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning.
Student Experience
Researcher
Global Citizen
Pattern Seeker
Your Teacher: Matt Berman
- M.A.T. in Philosophy for Children, Montclair State University
- B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education K-8 University of Connecticut
- Gifted Certification, University of New Orleans
- 46 years in education
Recipient of the NEH Teacher-Scholar Award, Matt Berman has been an elementary school teacher for more than 40 years, with certification in gifted education and degrees in education and philosophy for children. A nationally recognized expert in children's literature, Matt has written four books on the subject, and his reviews, articles, and columns have appeared in many journals, including Kirkus, School Library Journal, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He has also taught children's literature at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans, and his reviews have appeared on numerous websites, including Common Sense Media, Disney Family, Family.com, iVillage, and the Child Lit Wiki. Matt has also been a consultant with the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a freelance writer and editor, website developer, teacher trainer and consultant, photographer, communications director, and founding director of the Nueva Center for the Humanities.
