Logic Bootcamp (Live)
In this 4-day live bootcamp, students will learn all about the basics of formal philosophical logic. They will read portions of a textbook, discuss them using the Socratic method during class, and practice basic mathematical proofs.
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssignments
2-4 hours per week. Reading assignments will be required prior to each class meeting. Daily mathematical assignments will also be offered. I will provide grading and feedback on these assignments if it is desired. In order to receive a grade or a certificate of completion for the course, students must complete these assignments. Given that this is a bootcamp, completion of the mathematical assignments is very strongly encouraged even if a student doesn’t wish to receive a grade or a certificate.Letter Grade
Letter grades will be offered as an option for students who complete all of the mathematical assignments.Certificate of Completion
A certificate of completion will be offered as an option for students who complete all of the mathematical assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Course Description: In this four-day bootcamp, students will read and discuss passages from a philosophical logic textbook, and apply it to complete their own basic logical proofs. Class meetings will utilize a Socratic format where the instructor facilitates a discussion using guided questions. This enables students to interact with each other, the instructor, and the content more actively than in a traditional lecture-style course. Students who struggle with math may find this course challenging, though valuable. Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the overview section below in order to determine if they want their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. *****All learners will be required to have their cameras on for the duration of the live class meetings. This promotes an engaged learning environment for all students.***** Assignments and Grading Policies: Each class meeting will have an assigned reading of a passage from a contemporary logic textbook. Students are free to read more than the assigned portions if they so choose, but the class discussion and mathematical assignments will focus on the assigned reading. It is important that students do the assigned readings in order to get the most out of the bootcamp. Given the high level of these concepts, I only expect that students have made a good faith effort to understand them before class meetings, not that they have successfully done so. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to submit mathematical work for feedback and grading. In order to obtain a grade or obtain a certificate, students must make an attempt on each assignment before or after each class meeting. Given that this is a bootcamp, completion of these assignments is very strongly encouraged even if a student doesn’t wish to receive a grade or a certificate. The use or aid of any AI tools or large language models is prohibited for written assignments in this bootcamp. *****Readings and assignments are placed on the date that they are due on the syllabus, not the date that they are assigned.*****
Learning Goals
Students will develop a greater understanding of history, thought, and the art of logic.
Students will come away having read portions of a philosophical text on the language of formal reasoning.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Translations
Students will read a segment from the textbook section "Basic Logical Concepts." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short mathematical assignment.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Truth Tables
Students will read a segment from the textbook section "Propositional Logic." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short mathematical assignment.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Conjunctions and Disjunctions
Students will read a segment from the textbook section "Traditional Logic." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short mathematical assignment.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Conditionals and Biconditionals
Students will read a segment from the textbook section "Logical Fallacies." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short mathematical assignment.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the syllabus in order to determine if they wish their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Supply List
If your student wishes to read more than the assigned portions of the text, or if you prefer to have a physical copy of the book itself, below is the edition we will be using in this bootcamp: vander Nat, Arnold. Simple Formal Logic with Common-Sense Symbolic Techniques. New York: Routledge, 2010.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
vander Nat, Arnold. Simple Formal Logic with Common-Sense Symbolic Techniques. New York: Routledge, 2010.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Philosophy from Northern Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Illinois Wesleyan University
I have a BA in Philosophy with minors in Political Science and Greek and Roman Studies, as well as an MA in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics and Political Philosophy. I’m the head coach of a competitive high school debate team and teach the liberal arts at a classical school. I’m also a professional creative writer and journalist.
I love helping students of all ages understand and interpret difficult subjects and learn how to crystallize their thoughts in writing and oral communication. I believe studying logic is a wonderful way to facilitate this kind of growth and learning.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$100
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
1-18 learners per class