This course introduces formal reasoning and symbolic systems as structured methods for analyzing ideas with precision. Students study propositional logic, quantifiers, set theory, and axiomatic frameworks to understand how conclusions follow from clearly stated premises. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing logical validity from truth under interpretation, examining how logical form operates independently of meaning within formal systems, and recognizing both the power and limits of formal systems. Topics include rules of inference, proof techniques, equivalence relations, functions, cardinality, induction, and number systems. The course cultivates disciplined argumentation and structured evaluation of claims across academic and professional contexts.
Prerequisite: University Placement, or a grade of C or better in MAT 102, MAT 121, or MAT 221.