A Boolean Logic Approach to Issues of Vagueness, Heuristics, Subjectivity, and Data Mining

Abstract

This chapter introduces several modules that can be used to supplement an introductory logic course. The modules cover advanced topics such as rule heuristics, association rules, polythetic vs. monothetic grouping, and subsective adjectives. These topics are all approached using ordinary propositional logic, Boolean algebra with 0-1 variables. The topics are presented using a computational approach. The computations and concepts are elementary and accessible to an undergraduate without further prerequisites. The modules besides introducing advanced topics also facilitate discussion of other logic topics such as the law of the excluded middle, the concept of vagueness, and privative adjectives. This chapter presents new solutions to these problems. The chapter reviews the place of these modules within the context of introductory logic courses and the history of science. The supplementation of an introductory logic course with these modules is expected to strongly motivate students to pursue advanced topics and to increase interest in topics related to logic.