PHIL1068 is notorious for "imposter syndrome"—feeling that everyone else understands Hegel or Heidegger except you. A study group allows you to test your explanations on peers. If you can explain Kant’s categorical imperative to a biology major, you understand it.
Don't just state an opinion. In tutorials, use:
Exact percentages vary by instructor, but a representative breakdown:
Unlike massive COMM or ECON courses, PHIL1068 tutorials are capped at 15 students. You will speak. You will debate. You will learn to defend your position on love under pressure.
Let me know the specifics, and I’ll write a custom report section for you.
PHIL1068: Elementary Logic at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a 6-credit introductory course designed to develop systematic reasoning skills using formal symbolic notations. It is often offered as a web-based, self-study course with no prerequisites, making it accessible to students from all faculties. Course Overview & Content
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to first-order logic, divided into two primary areas:
Sentential Logic (SL): Covers basic logical concepts, syntax, and semantics. Key methods include using truth tables to evaluate validity and natural deduction for constructing proofs.
Predicate Logic (PL): Moves into advanced topics like quantifiers, interpretations, identity, and natural deduction within first-order predicate calculus. Assessment Structure
Based on recent syllabi, the grading is typically 100% coursework-based, though the exact breakdown may vary by instructor:
Exams (approx. 70%): Generally consists of two exams (35% each) held during normal lecture times rather than the central exam period. These often include multiple-choice and short-answer logical problem sets.
Homework/Exercises (approx. 30%): Short problem sets assigned throughout the term, often submitted via Moodle. Study Resources & Tips
Core Reading: The primary text is often an open-access book, Jonathan Ichikawa’s expanded version of forall x by P.D. Magnus.
Lecture Slides First: Instructors frequently emphasize that lecture slides (on Moodle) are the most critical resource for exams and may use slightly different notation than the textbook.
Self-Study Support: While the course is often self-study, optional tutorials and online discussion forums are usually available for students to ask questions. phil1068 hku
Practice: Success in logic relies on practice. You can find unofficial practice materials, such as past midterm and final exam solutions, on student resource platforms like Studocu and Course Hero.
Are you currently enrolled and looking for specific practice problems, or are you deciding whether to take this course as an elective? Elementary Logic - Jennifer Nado
Week 1. Sept 2 – Basic logical concepts. Ichikawa ch. 1. Week 2. Sept 9 – Syntax and semantics of SL; translation. Ichikawa ch. 2. Jennifer Nado
Surviving PHIL1068: A Student’s Guide to Elementary Logic at HKU
So, you’ve signed up for PHIL1068: Elementary Logic at the University of Hong Kong. Maybe you heard it’s a "chill" 6-credit course because there are no lectures, or maybe you’re just trying to fulfill a requirement for your Philosophy major or minor.
Whatever the reason, don't let the "no lectures" part fool you. Logic is like a language—you can’t just cram it the night before the final. Here is a quick blog post to help you navigate the course, based on the latest HKU Philosophy department updates. 1. The Format: Self-Study is Key
Unlike most courses at HKU, PHIL1068 is a self-study course. That means:
No Lectures/Tutorials: You are responsible for going through the online materials yourself.
Online Resources: Everything you need—handouts, problem sets, and readings—is hosted on the course website.
The Forum is Your Friend: If you get stuck on a truth table or a natural deduction proof, use the online discussion forum or contact the course tutor. 2. What You’ll Actually Learn
The goal isn't just to move symbols around; it’s to help you think clearly, rationally, and systematically. You’ll dive into:
Sentential Logic (SL): Learning what makes an expression a "Well-Formed Formula" (WFF) and how connectives like "and," "or," and "if...then" work.
Truth Tables: Determining the validity of arguments by looking at every possible scenario.
Natural Deduction: Proving that a conclusion follows from premises using formal rules. 3. Grading: Don’t Fall Behind Let me know the specifics, and I’ll write
The assessment is usually a mix of coursework and exams. Typically, you'll face:
Problem Sets: These are your bread and butter. You are allowed to discuss them with friends, but you must write them by yourself. Copying is a one-way ticket to failing the course.
The Midterm & Final: These usually take place in person (often in the LE or CPD rooms) and consist of logical problem sets similar to your homework. 4. Pro-Tips for Success
Check the Dates: Mark the deadlines for problem sets early. Late submissions are penalized 10% per day.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Logic is a skill. Do the practice exercises on the website until truth tables feel like second nature.
Stay Integrity-Focused: HKU takes academic integrity seriously. Whether you’re using AI tools like Copilot for study hacks or working in groups, make sure the final work is yours.
Are you currently taking PHIL1068? Drop a comment below with your biggest "aha!" moment (or your most frustrating proof)!
You can find Professor Jennifer Nado’s syllabus and contact info on her personal site or visit the Philosophy Department in the Run Run Shaw Tower.
PHIL1068: Elementary Logic at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is an introductory course designed to equip students with formal techniques for systematic reasoning. It is typically open to students from all faculties with no prior knowledge of logic or mathematics required. Course Format & Features
Web-Based Self-Study: Historically, the course is often offered as a self-study module with no formal lectures or tutorials. Instead, all materials are provided online for students to work through at their own pace.
Targeted Learning: The primary aim is to improve clear, rational, and systematic thinking by introducing students to symbolic notations and logical symbols. Credit Value: It is a 6-credit course.
Exclusions: Students who have previously taken or are currently enrolled in certain advanced logic courses (e.g., PHIL1006, PHIL2006, or PHIL2510) may be barred from taking this course. Core Syllabus Topics
The curriculum focuses on First-Order Logic, typically split into two main sections:
Sentential Logic (SL): Covers syntax, semantics, truth tables, and natural deduction methods for evaluating argument validity. The syllabus moves from classical foundations to modern
Predicate Logic (PL): Explores more advanced formal systems, including quantifiers, interpretations, and derivations. Typical Assessment Structure
While exact weightings can vary by semester and instructor (such as Dr. Jennifer Nado or Dr. Ka Ho Lam), assessments generally include:
Problem Sets/Homework: Multiple assignments (e.g., 4–5 sets) focusing on truth tables, translations, and derivations.
Midterm Quiz: Often held during Reading Week, focusing on basic concepts and Sentential Logic.
Final Examination: Typically covers the full scope of the course, including both Sentential and Predicate logic.
Note: Some versions of the course (e.g., Fall 2019) have used two in-class exams instead of a traditional final exam during the university's formal exam week. PHIL 1068 Reading - Philosophy@HKU
Based on the course code PHIL1068 at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), this usually refers to the course "Critical Thinking and Logic" (or simply "Logic"). This is a flagship introductory course in the Department of Philosophy, popular among students from various faculties (Arts, Business, Science, etc.) because it covers formal logic and argument analysis.
If you are looking for an "interesting report" related to this course, you are likely looking for a sample paper topic, a summary of a key logical paradox, or a real-world application of the logic taught in the course.
Here is a sample "mini-report" focusing on one of the most captivating topics covered in PHIL1068: The Paradox of the Heap (Sorites Paradox). This topic is frequently used in assignments to test students' understanding of vagueness and logical validity.
The syllabus moves from classical foundations to modern challenges. Common topics include:
Based on feedback from previous HKU students who earned A- to A+ grades, here are concrete strategies:
Focus: The birth of rational inquiry in Greece.
Key question for tutorials: Is Plato’s theory of Forms a valid solution to the problem of universals, or does Aristotle’s critique successfully dismantle it?