Single Idea 16487

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 2. Logical Connectives / e. or]

Full Idea

It might be contended that, in describing what happens when a man believes 'p or q', the 'or' that we must use is not the same as the 'or' of logic.

Gist of Idea

Maybe the 'or' used to describe mental states is not the 'or' of logic

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Inquiry into Meaning and Truth [1940], 5)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Inquiry into Meaning and Truth' [Penguin 1967], p.88


A Reaction

This seems to be the general verdict on Russell's enquiries in this chapter, but I love any attempt, however lacking in rigour etc., to connect formal logic to how we think, and thence to the world.