Formal Logic (7-12)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Formal Logic!

This is a discussion-based history class focused on the study of reality, knowledge, and the human mind. My goal is to jump start your students to think critically, problem solve, and learn anything they set their minds to. I'm told that this definition is somewhat broad, so to narrow it down, one way you can view this class is as the foundation of mathematics and science. Instead of memorizing new difficult concepts and formulas (which is a propaganda term for brainwashing) the aim of this class is to build visionary inventors, bold experimenters, and freethinkers. I believe the best way to make meaning to the more technical subjects like mathematics is when a student makes a discovery on their own.

I mentioned this was a history class, and we’ll be steeped in history. We will read through some really cool graphic novels which tell the stories of many Ancient Greek philosophers and their ideas. Some of them were incredibly clever and wise. Some of them didn't like beans. Some of them argued it's impossible to outrun an ordinary tortoise. Some of them believed everything was an illusion. Some of them believed there were no wrong answers. Some of them believed there were no right answers!? Though I'll be exposing your students to extremely difficult and at times absurd concepts, they will appear easy because it will feel like entertainment.

There are no prerequisites, but I’ll be looking for the maturity to hold deep conversations whether externally or internally. I’m not grading any homework, but lighting a fire of insatiable curiosity.

This course differs from Informal Logic. Books like The Fallacy Detective and The Thinking Toolbox serve as really good introductions to logical fallacies. We will cover a wider range of topics such as: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Good and Evil, Theoretical Physics, Sound Reasoning vs. Paradoxes, Continuums vs. Quantum Physics, Creation vs. Evolution, Determinism vs. Chaos Theory, and Human Conscience vs. Artificial Intelligence

The Ancient Greeks coined the word LOGOS to define the ultimate force that holds nature and existence together. John explains that Jesus is the LOGOS in John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God…”

We will have an amazing school year examining God’s creation.

For those who have already taken Formal Logic, the next class is The Quadrivium! Enjoy!

HOMEWORK

I encourage the students to write down what they learned or thought was interesting. That way they can share it with their friends and family and transcripts.

CLASS MATERIALS

Paper and Pencil to take notes with.

CURRICULUM 

Coming Soon! In the process of publishing several books with Amazon.

MATERIALS FEE

There is a $10 materials fee, so I can print delightful math history graphic novels to give to the students throughout the school year.

TEACHER CONTACT 

Jonathan Pappas

[email protected]

208-999-1841