Philosophical Logic

The Philosophical Logic course introduces students to the study of the philosophical dimension of logic. This concerns questions about the nature of analyticity, truth, reference, modality, existence and identity. For example, what makes a statement analytic? Can the distinction between analytic and synthetic statements be upheld? What exactly is it that bears the properties of truth and falsity? Is truth correspondence with facts or mere coherence? What is the relationship between meaning and reference? Does reference consist in the satisfaction of descriptions or the establishment of some causal relation? What are possible worlds? Do they exist as abstract or concrete entities? What is existence? Is existence a property? What does it mean for two objects to be identical? Must they be identical across possible worlds? The course seeks to cultivate an appreciation of the complexities inherent in answering questions such as the above.