Single Idea 2610

[catalogued under 19. Language / D. Propositions / 6. Propositions Critique]

Full Idea

Our talk of propositions should not be regarded as anything more than a concise way of talking about equivalent sentences.

Clarification

Propositions are said to be the thought behind sentence

Gist of Idea

Talk of propositions is just shorthand for talking about equivalent sentences

Source

A.J. Ayer (The Central Questions of Philosophy [1973], IX.C)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'The Central Questions of Philosophy' [Penguin 1976], p.208


A Reaction

Wrong, though I can see why he says it. We struggle to express difficult propositions by offering several similar (but not equivalent) sentences. What is the criterion for deciding his 'equivalence'?