Logic for Economists

University of Amsterdam via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/logic-for-economists

Introduction

### Course Review: Logic for Economists on Coursera If you are looking to enhance your analytical skills and solidify your understanding of the foundational concepts in logic and mathematics, the course **Logic for Economists** on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course caters to anyone interested in the field of economics, whether you're a beginner seeking a basic introduction or someone looking to refresh your knowledge. #### Course Overview **Logic for Economists** offers a succinct introduction to essential mathematical concepts, primarily focusing on propositional logic, predicate logic, set theory, and the number system. Over the span of the course, students will engage with fundamental proof techniques, which are indispensable in both mathematical reasoning and economic theory. By the end of this course, participants will have the ability to: 1. Detect the logical structure behind simple puzzles. 2. Manipulate logical expressions effectively. 3. Explain the connection between logic and set theory. 4. Articulate the differences between various number types, including natural, integer, rational, real, and complex numbers. 5. Recognize different basic propositions, enhancing their logical reasoning skills. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction**: This section provides an overview and a motivational framework for the topics covered throughout the course. It sets the stage for their relevance in economics. 2. **Propositional Logic**: In this module, students will explore logical propositions and the governing rules. Through various exercises, learners will get hands-on experience that will improve their proficiency in logical reasoning. 3. **Predicate Logic, Set Theory, and Functions**: This part delves into logical statements that depend on variables. It unpacks the relationships and functions that form the basis of logical reasoning and mathematical proof. 4. **Numbers**: The course dedicates time to discussing the number system, providing clarity on the different types of numbers and their characteristics, which is crucial for understanding economic models and data. 5. **Proofs**: Students learn various proof techniques that are vital within economics and mathematics, sharpening their skills in logical construction and critical thinking. 6. **Final Test**: The course culminates in a final assessment that challenges students to demonstrate their acquired skills and understanding of the material. #### Course Format and Accessibility This course is designed to be accessible to individuals at various levels of understanding. It features video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes that help reinforce learning. The flexible schedule allows learners to pace themselves, making it convenient for those with busy lives. #### Recommendation **Logic for Economists** comes highly recommended for anyone interested in economics, mathematics, or logical reasoning. It’s particularly beneficial for students pursuing degrees in economics, finance, or related fields, as it emphasizes the analytical skills necessary for success in higher-level studies and professional environments. The concise nature of this course, coupled with its clear and structured approach, makes it an effective introduction to logical reasoning. Those who complete this course will find themselves better equipped to tackle both academic challenges and real-world economic problems through improved analytical thinking. In conclusion, if you're eager to sharpen your logical and mathematical skills, consider enrolling in **Logic for Economists** on Coursera. It's an investment in your intellectual toolkit that can yield significant rewards in your academic and professional journey.

Syllabus

Introduction

Overview and motivation of the topics to be treated in the course

Propositional logic

Logical propositions and the rules that govern them.

Predicate logic, set theory, and functions

Logical statements that depend on a variable.

Numbers

Proofs

Final test

Overview

This course provides a very brief introduction to basic mathematical concepts like propositional and predicate logic, set theory, the number system, and proof techniques. At the end of the course, students will be able to (1) detect the logical structure behind simple puzzles (2) be able to manipulate logical expressions (3) explain the connection between logic and set theory (4) explain the differences between natural, integer, rational, real and complex numbers (5) recognise different basic p

Skills

Reviews

Great course for an introduction into logic and its relations mathematics. The instructor was very responsive and helpful as well.

It was a very interesting course.Got to learn a lot!

The course approaches the material well and explains it well. But, the problem sets are much harder than the level of discussion in the videos. Overall, I found the course challenging.

Actually, I have learned this material in school, but when I try to do the test it was still challenging.

This was a testing introduction, but I found it very useful to getting to grips with the basics of logic. I very much enjoyed the assignments presented and hope to revisit them at some point.