Single Idea 9007

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

Full Idea

My objection to propositions is not parsimony, or disapproval of abstract entities, ..but that propositions induce a relation of synonymy or equivalence between sentences (expressing the same proposition), and this makes no objective sense.

Gist of Idea

It makes no sense to say that two sentences express the same proposition

Source

Willard Quine (Philosophy of Logic [1970], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Philosophy of Logic' [Prentice-Hall 1970], p.3


A Reaction

Personally I think propositions are unavoidable when you try to connect language to activities of the brain, and also when you consider animal thought. And also when you introspect about your own language processes. Mr Quine, he wrong.