Introducing
The Logic Resource Center
Many logic instructors today still grade hundreds of problems a week on paper despite the fact that it's a corollary of the fundamental results of the 20th century that a computer can grade logic problems. This is surprising, and it's likewise surprising that existing logic software mostly only handles one system despite the fact that these same results imply that all systems of first order logic are fundamentally the same.
The Logic Resource Center is based on the thought that these issues have something to do with one another: people don't use existing logic software because there isn't any that handles the system they teach.
In addition, many instructors we've talked to are put off by the poor usability and dated look and feel of existing systems. Our aim is address all of this by providing software meeting these constraints:
- Polymorphism The software should handle as many systems of logic as possible so that instructors can teach exactly what they currently teach.
- Usability The software should satisfy instructor and student expectations about usability and be comparable in look and feel to the best apps and websites.
- Integrations The software should allow automatically syncing grades with university corseware systems.
- Education The software should improve logic instruction rather than merely automating it by unlocking the potential of computer aided instruction.
Problem Types
The most important point above is the last: we think the potential of computer aided instruction in logic is underappreciated. Imagine teaching a logic class where you could easily show students many systems. You could, for example, explore the difference it makes when a system includes the falsum (reasoning about negation gets a lot more succinct). You could look at the difference between Fitch and Lemmon derivations as ways of exploring the notion of logical consequence. Etc. Imagine timed problems and group problems do-able in class with the software coordinating student answers realtime as you can see demonstrated here with the "invite a friend" feature. What we are interested in most of all is exploring with instructors and finding out what the best kinds of computer aided logic problems really are. We also have plans for logic-based games.
Course Management and Courseware Integrations
By the end of 2023 we intend have functionality built out for grouping problems into problem sets and grouping those into a syllabus. We will also be starting work on support of univeristy courseware integrations including student imports and grade exports to allow full automation of grading and reporting.
Contact Us
If you are interested in teaching with the LRC or you would like to be involved in the project, please contact us! We also welcome investment inquiries as well as suggestions for systems to add and ideas for problems and features.
About the Philosopher-Engineer
To learn more about the creator of the logic resource center, click through to meet the philosopher-engineer.
Contact the LRC