To familiarize the students with the contemporary logical literature and with techniques that are used in contemporary philosophical logic.
About the course
Content
The attention is centred on texts that break with the views of traditional logic, as developed from Aristotle to the twentieth century. Special attention is paid to underlying philosophical problems, the connection with other philosophical questions, and research techniques that were developed for more recent logics.
Learning outcomes
- To have mastered some contemporary research methods from philosophical logic
- Thorough understanding of a number of non-classical logics
- Insight in the philosophical basis of the main families of non-classical logics
Teaching methods
Seminar, Lecture, Independent work, Peer teaching
Extra information on the teaching methods: There are four modules and for each module texts are analysed, short presentations are given on the texts read, exercises are made, and solutions are proposed and compared.
The modules for 2025-2026 are: (i) preliminaries (sets and functions; syntax and semantics of first-order logic; possible-world semantics), (ii) adaptive logics and the formal study of defeasible reasoning, (iii) modal adaptive logics, (iv) applications of adaptive logics.
Assessment
Assessment moments: end-of-term and continuous assessment
Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Oral assessment, Written assessment, Assignment
Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the resit examination period: Oral assessment, Written assessment, Assignment
Examination methods in case of continuous assessment: Oral assessment, Participation, Written assessment, Assignment
Possibilities of resit in case of permanent assessment: examination during the second examination period is possible in modified form
Extra information on the examination methods:
The evaluation in the first examination session is completely non-periodic. The following applies to each module:
- 1 point on participation (constructive participation in the tutorials, oral presentation of solutions to logical problems, critical study of and feedback on the solutions of others)
- 4 points on a "progress test"
The evaluation in the second examination period is only possible in a modified form: 20 points on an oral exam, with written preparation, over the entire material (any points obtained for participation will lapse).
Calculation of the examination mark:
- 100% non-periodic for the first chance exam
- 100% periodic for the second chance exam
Lecturers
Meheus, Joke: lecturer-in-charge
Course dates
This course takes place in the second semester of academic year 2025-2026:
- Educational activities: February 9 to May 16, 2026
- Catch-up activities: May 18 to May 23, 2026
- Easter Recess: April 6 to April 18, 2026
- Examination period: May 26 to July 4, 2026
- Resit Examination period: August 17 to September 12, 2026
There will be one online lecture per week from February 9, 2026, to May 16, 2026. This will take place on Tuesdays from 2:30pm to 5:15pm (CET). Attendance is mandatory. For valid absences (for example due to medical reasons) additional materials and guidance will be provided for students to catch up.
How to apply?
Entry requirements: Successful completion of an introductory course in logic.
How to apply
- Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
- Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office.
- Apply by completing the Ghent University form by December 19, 2025. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Register at Ghent university. Registration instructions will follow after application.
Information per university
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Tartu:
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Contact
For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course:
For information regarding the course content: