Navigating PHIL1068: Elementary Logic at HKU For many students at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), PHIL1068: Elementary Logic is more than just a foundational philosophy course—it is a rite of passage. Often regarded as one of the most practical and intellectually rigorous common core or elective options, this course strips away the flowery language of traditional humanities and replaces it with the precision of mathematical reasoning.
If you are considering enrolling or are currently staring at a truth table in confusion, here is everything you need to know about mastering PHIL1068. What is PHIL1068 All About?
At its core, PHIL1068 is about validity. It isn't a course where you debate "the meaning of life." Instead, you learn to analyze the structure of arguments to determine if the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises. The course typically covers:
Sentential Logic (SL): Learning how to translate English sentences into symbols (using operators like negation, conjunction, and implication).
Truth Tables: A mechanical way to test for validity and consistency.
Predicate Logic (PL): A more advanced system that looks "inside" sentences using quantifiers like "all" ( ∀for all ) and "some" ( ∃there exists
Formal Proofs: Using derivation rules (like Modus Ponens or Reductio ad Absurdum) to prove that a conclusion is true. Why Take It?
The "LSAT" Edge: If you are planning on going to Law School, this course is gold. The logical reasoning skills taught here are the exact same skills tested on the LSAT and other professional entrance exams.
Clearer Thinking: You’ll start noticing "logical fallacies" in everyday political debates, advertisements, and even your own essays.
Fulfilling Requirements: It is a popular choice for students needing to fulfill their Humanities breadth requirement or for those looking to minor/major in Philosophy. Survival Tips for Success 1. Treat it Like a Math Class
Unlike a typical history or literature course, you cannot cram for PHIL1068 by reading a textbook the night before. Logic is a skill, not just a set of facts. You need to do the practice sets until the symbols become second nature. 2. Master the Translations
Most students lose marks not because they can’t do the logic, but because they can't translate the English sentence into symbols correctly. Pay close attention to the difference between "if," "only if," and "if and only if." 3. Use Joe Lau’s Resources
HKU’s own Dr. Joe Lau has developed incredible online resources. His website, philosophy.hku.hk/think, is a global gold standard for learning critical thinking and logic. Use the practice modules—they are often very similar to exam questions. 4. Don't Fall Behind
Logic is cumulative. If you don't understand Week 3 (Truth Tables), you will be completely lost by Week 8 (Predicate Derivations). If a concept doesn't click, go to your tutor immediately. Is it an "Easy A"?
The "Easy A" reputation of PHIL1068 is a bit of a myth. For students with a mathematical or "systems" brain, it can be very straightforward. However, for students who prefer subjective discussion over objective proofs, it can be quite challenging.
The Verdict: If you are organized and enjoy problem-solving, it is a very rewarding course that can significantly boost your GPA and your critical thinking skills.
PHIL1068 is not a "bird course" (easy A). It is a rigorous, transformative intellectual experience. If you are a pre-law student, it sharpens your argumentation. If you are a computer science major, it introduces you to logic and the philosophy of mind. If you are a humanities student, it provides the conceptual toolkit for analyzing culture and ethics.
The keyword phil1068 hku represents more than a course code—it represents a challenge to think clearly, argue fairly, and live deliberately. For those willing to struggle with Plato’s shadows and Descartes’ doubts, the reward is a permanent upgrade in critical thinking. phil1068 hku
Final advice: Register early, buy the reader second-hand from HKU SPACE or the philosophy society, and bring coffee to your tutorials. The examined life, as Socrates said, is worth living—even if it means a few sleepless nights wrestling with Kant.
Last updated: 2025. Always verify current syllabus and instructors via the HKU Course Catalogue (phil1068).
For up-to-date syllabus, assessment breakdown, timetable, and instructor information, consult HKU’s official course listings and the Department of Philosophy’s page.
Related search suggestions: Phil1068 syllabus, HKU Philosophy courses, introductory philosophy HKU.
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.
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 Navigating PHIL1068: Elementary Logic at HKU For many
PHIL 1068: Elementary Logic at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a 6-credit introductory course focusing on the basic techniques and concepts of formal logic. It is designed for students of all levels and does not require prior knowledge of logic or mathematics. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Course Overview The course provides a comprehensive introduction to First-Order Logic
, the standard system used in contemporary analytic philosophy. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Primary Goal
: To improve the ability to think clearly, rationally, and systematically by mastering formal evaluation methods. Key Content Areas Sentential Logic
: Covering syntax, semantics, truth tables, and natural deduction. Predicate Logic
: Introducing quantifiers, interpretations, and derivations in monadic predicate logic. Critical Concepts
: Validity, soundness, tautologies, and identifying patterns in arguments. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Learning Materials Primary Textbook
, an open-access textbook by P.D. Magnus, specifically the expanded version by Jonathan Ichikawa.
: The course has been offered in different formats, including a self-study course
with all materials online and no physical lectures, as well as more traditional lecture-based structures. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Assessment & Performance
While specific grading policies vary by semester, typical components include: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Problem Sets
: Focused on translating English statements into Sentential Logic (SL) and performing natural deduction derivations.
: Midterm and final exams often conducted via Moodle, covering concepts like well-formed formulas (WFFs) and truth-table methods. Coursework Weight
: Some iterations of this course (or similar "Tools for Philosophers") are assessed as 100% coursework The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Faculty Information Instructors who have recently taught this course include: syllabus-201617.pdf - Philosophy@HKU
In the halls of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) , there’s a legendary academic "trial" that many students face: PHIL1068: Elementary Logic
. This course isn't just about truth tables or predicates; for many, it’s a story of isolation and intellectual survival. The Lone Quest for Truth Unlike the buzzing lecture halls of HKU, is often a self-study course
. There are no lectures to hide in and no tutorials to guide you. It’s just you, your textbook, and the digital void of an online forum. The story usually begins with a student thinking, "It's just logic, how hard can it be?"
—only to find themselves at 3:00 AM staring at a "Well-formed formula" (WFF) that looks more like an alien transmission than a sentence. The "All-or-Nothing" Midterm The climax of every PHIL1068 semester is the Midterm in LE1 Conclusion: Is PHIL1068 HKU Worth It
. There are no makeup exams. It is a high-stakes moment where students who have been studying in silos finally see their "fellow survivors." The silence in the room is heavy with the mental strain of identifying validity and soundness amidst a sea of symbols. The Survival Rules
To make it through this HKU rite of passage, students often follow an unwritten code: The Collaboration Paradox:
You are permitted to discuss problems, but you must write your derivations alone. It’s a delicate dance of helping friends without failing for plagiarism. The Race Against the 10%:
Every day a problem set is late, 10% of the grade vanishes. In the world of PHIL1068, time is the ultimate logical constant. The Logic Trap:
Because it's open to all faculties, you'll see engineering students who think it's "too easy" and arts students who think it's "too math-heavy." Both are usually humbled by the first derivation exercise.
Ultimately, the "story" of PHIL1068 is one of clarity. By the end, students find that their ability to think systematically
has changed. They no longer see arguments—they see structures. or a breakdown of the current semester's syllabus
Contrary to myth, PHIL1068 is not a "free A," but it is accessible. If you attend tutorials and learn basic argument mapping, a B+ or A- is very achievable.
Focus: Practical philosophy.
Key question for tutorials: Is utilitarianism compatible with individual rights, or does deontology provide a stronger foundation for justice?
By the end of PHIL1068, students should be able to:
The syllabus moves from classical foundations to modern challenges. Common topics include:
Exact percentages vary by instructor, but a representative breakdown:
PHIL1068 is not a self-help class. It is a rigorous but supportive introduction to philosophy’s oldest question. For any HKU student willing to read carefully and write reflectively, it offers a rare chance to step back from grades, internships, and social pressure—and ask what all of it is for. Most students leave less certain of easy answers, but more confident in asking the question well.
Note: Course details (instructors, assessment, exact readings) change from semester to semester. Always check the latest HKU Course Catalog and the Philosophy Department’s syllabus for the current offering.
Since I do not have access to the specific real-time assignment details for PHIL1068 (Ethics in Contemporary Society) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) this semester, I have written a sample post based on a classic topic often covered in this course: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
This post is structured to meet the standards of a typical HKU Philosophy "reflection post" or "discussion board entry"—it is concise, argumentative, and applies philosophical concepts to a contemporary issue.