To Teach Modal Logic: An Opinionated Survey

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a philosophy-inspired approach to teaching modal logic, emphasizing its relevance to philosophical and linguistic issues over purely mathematical perspectives, and explores cognitive science contributions for pedagogy.

Contribution

It proposes a new pedagogical framework for teaching modal logic rooted in philosophical and linguistic relevance, integrating insights from cognitive science.

Findings

Highlights the philosophical significance of modal logic

Suggests dual-process theories can inform teaching methods

Encourages a broader, more comprehensive teaching approach

Abstract

I aim to promote an alternative agenda for teaching modal logic chiefly inspired by the relationships between modal logic and philosophy. The guiding idea for this proposal is a reappraisal of the interest of modal logic in philosophy, which do not stem mainly from mathematical issues, but which is motivated by central problems of philosophy and language. I will point out some themes to start elaborating a guide for a more comprehensive approach to teach modal logic, and consider the contributions of dual-process theories in cognitive science, in order to explore a pedagogical framework for the proposed point of view.