Single Idea 10253

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 1. Ontology of Logic]

Full Idea

Ontology does not depend on language and logic if either one has the objects determining the logic, or the objects are independent of the logic.

Gist of Idea

Either logic determines objects, or objects determine logic, or they are separate

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Philosophy of Mathematics [1997], 6.4)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.192


A Reaction

I favour the first option. I think we should seek an account of how logic grows from our understanding of the physical world. If this cannot be established, I shall invent a new Mad Logic, and use it for all my future reasoning, with (I trust) impunity.