Language, Proof and Logic 
asked by csean85 on November 27, 2006 7:52 AM
This textbook/software package covers first-order language in a method appropriate for first and second courses in logic. The unique on-line grading services instantly grades solutions to hundred of computer exercises. It is specially devised to be used by philosophy instructors in a way that is useful to undergraduates of philosophy, computer science, mathematics, and linguistics.
The book is a completely rewritten and much improved version of The Language of First-order Logic. Introductory material is presented in a more systematic and accessible fashion. Advanced chapters include proofs of soundness and completeness for propositional and predicate logic, as well as an accessible sketch of Godel's first incompleteness theorem. The book is appropriate for a wide range of courses, from first logic courses for undergraduates (philosophy, mathematics, and computer science) to a first graduate logic course.
The package includes four pieces of software:
Tarski's World 5.0, a new version of the popular program that teaches the basic first-order language and its semantics; Fitch, a natural deduction proof environment for giving and checking first-order proofs;
Boole, a program that facilitates the construction and checking of truth tables and related notions (tautology, tautological consequence, etc.);
Submit, a program that allows students to submit exercises done with the above programs to the Grade Grinder, the automatic grading service.
Grade reports are returned to the student and, if requested, to the student's instructor, eliminating the need for tedious checking of homework. All programs will be available on both Windows and Macintosh OS. Instructors do not need to use the programs themselves in order to be able to take advantage of their pedagogical value.
The price of a new text/software package includes one Registration ID, which must be used each time work is submitted to the grading service. Once activated, the Registration ID is not transferable.
The book is a completely rewritten and much improved version of The Language of First-order Logic. Introductory material is presented in a more systematic and accessible fashion. Advanced chapters include proofs of soundness and completeness for propositional and predicate logic, as well as an accessible sketch of Godel's first incompleteness theorem. The book is appropriate for a wide range of courses, from first logic courses for undergraduates (philosophy, mathematics, and computer science) to a first graduate logic course.
The package includes four pieces of software:
Tarski's World 5.0, a new version of the popular program that teaches the basic first-order language and its semantics; Fitch, a natural deduction proof environment for giving and checking first-order proofs;
Boole, a program that facilitates the construction and checking of truth tables and related notions (tautology, tautological consequence, etc.);
Submit, a program that allows students to submit exercises done with the above programs to the Grade Grinder, the automatic grading service.
Grade reports are returned to the student and, if requested, to the student's instructor, eliminating the need for tedious checking of homework. All programs will be available on both Windows and Macintosh OS. Instructors do not need to use the programs themselves in order to be able to take advantage of their pedagogical value.
The price of a new text/software package includes one Registration ID, which must be used each time work is submitted to the grading service. Once activated, the Registration ID is not transferable.
Reviews
0%
0%
This is the most frustrating piece of software I have ever encountered. The lack of help files was extremely frustrating when you were caught in a problem. The Grade Grinder was useless. It was not very intuitive and should only be used for computer science or mathematics courses.
reviewed by alec on November 29, 2006 7:26 AM
0%
0%
I originally hated both the book and the software. Now I find them both incredibly effective tools to learn the basics of first-order logic. The book and the software work together. I imagine it must be difficult to get a good grasp of the concepts introduced in the book without exercising them on the software. The software, particularly Boole, the program designed for proofs, does give you inmediate feedback on proofs - not the case when working with pen and paper. Yes, it takes a while to get used to it, but, in the end, the result is quite rewarding!
reviewed by ladyrunner on November 29, 2006 10:29 AM
0%
0%
The only reason to use this book is if it is required for your class, in which case there's no reason for you to be reading these reviews. If, like me, you are studying logic on your own, don't waste your time with this book. In order to check your work using the authors' website, you need to have the most recent (and therefore most expensive) edition.
I suppose this book does an okay job teaching logic programming to CS students, but I think there are better books on the market for that purpose. And if you are interested in philosophical logic, I recommend either Copi's or Gensler's book over this one.
I suppose this book does an okay job teaching logic programming to CS students, but I think there are better books on the market for that purpose. And if you are interested in philosophical logic, I recommend either Copi's or Gensler's book over this one.
reviewed by mullers on November 29, 2006 5:20 PM
0%
0%
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. I bought this book to learn logic. It turned out that this book uses 3 different software, which can be installed through cd or web site. Most of the exercises require software. Quite frankly I prefer the pen and paper method better. You don't really need a set of software to learn basic logic. It just adds unnecessary complexity.
When I opened this book and read through first chapter it turned out that 80% of the exercises require the use of software. I was not willing to install the software ands set up the grade grinder, which requires Internet connection. I usually study in libraries or cafes, and I don't have a laptop to carry around. When I do an exercise, I want to check the answer, not send an e-mail and wait for an answer. The logic behind this is that author/publisher wants us to buy new books, rather than used, which is $60.00. This format makes used book worthless. This is such a cheap way of authoring and publishing a book. There are many other good books on logic available with a more user-friendly format. All the reviews are cooked up to justify this cheap way of making money.
Only buy this book if you have a laptop, desire to learn frustrating software (may I remind you that goal is to learn language, proof and logic, not software.) and if you like reading in front of a desktop with an Internet connection. BTW: Grade grinder sucks, just imagine a computer grading your assignment.
When I opened this book and read through first chapter it turned out that 80% of the exercises require the use of software. I was not willing to install the software ands set up the grade grinder, which requires Internet connection. I usually study in libraries or cafes, and I don't have a laptop to carry around. When I do an exercise, I want to check the answer, not send an e-mail and wait for an answer. The logic behind this is that author/publisher wants us to buy new books, rather than used, which is $60.00. This format makes used book worthless. This is such a cheap way of authoring and publishing a book. There are many other good books on logic available with a more user-friendly format. All the reviews are cooked up to justify this cheap way of making money.
Only buy this book if you have a laptop, desire to learn frustrating software (may I remind you that goal is to learn language, proof and logic, not software.) and if you like reading in front of a desktop with an Internet connection. BTW: Grade grinder sucks, just imagine a computer grading your assignment.
reviewed by runaway on November 29, 2006 6:14 PM