CST329 - Week 1

This week we started a new course, CST329: Reasoning with Logic with Professor Shahidul Islam. We started off learning the basics of the language of logic. We learned about the definitions of declarative statements which make assertions, automatic sentences, and the principle of bivalence. We introduced the use of symbols such as P and Q and a translation key. We also focused on the meaning of syntax and semantics and their differences. We also learned another preliminary topic: truth tables. Next, we started right away with learning logic rules. We learned about implication, which is represented as P -> Q, and negation which is shown as ~P. Lastly, we learned about arguments which are a list of one or more sentences in which the last is the conclusion. An argument is valid if when the premises are true, the conclusion is true. A sound argument is a valid argument in which the premises are true. Validity can be checked with a truth table.

We were provided with lecture videos and readings from the textbook and completed 3 homework assignments along with a quiz. So far, the material seems very clear and was taught well. The homework was a bit tricky as the questions are very technical. So far I am enjoying the course and am looking forward to a productive 8 weeks!