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Single Idea 6115
[filed under theme 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 1. Logical Form
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Full Idea
The fact that we do not experience simples is one obstacle to the actual creation of a correct logical language, and vagueness is another.
Gist of Idea
Vagueness, and simples being beyond experience, are obstacles to a logical language
Source
Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism [1924], p.159)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Russell's Logical Atomism', ed/tr. Pears,David [Fontana 1972], p.159
A Reaction
The dream of creating a perfect logical language looks doomed from the start, but it is a very interesting project to try to pinpoint why it is unlikely to be possible. I say a perfect language cuts nature exactly at the joints, so find the joints.
The
14 ideas
from 'Logical Atomism'
10968
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Russell gave up logical atomism because of negative, general and belief propositions
[Russell, by Read]
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6107
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It is logic, not metaphysics, that is fundamental to philosophy
[Russell]
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6109
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Some axioms may only become accepted when they lead to obvious conclusions
[Russell]
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6108
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Maths can be deduced from logical axioms and the logic of relations
[Russell]
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6110
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Subject-predicate logic (and substance-attribute metaphysics) arise from Aryan languages
[Russell]
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6111
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As propositions can be put in subject-predicate form, we wrongly infer that facts have substance-quality form
[Russell]
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6112
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Meaning takes many different forms, depending on different logical types
[Russell]
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6113
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To mean facts we assert them; to mean simples we name them
[Russell]
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6114
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'Simples' are not experienced, but are inferred at the limits of analysis
[Russell]
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6116
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A logical language would show up the fallacy of inferring reality from ordinary language
[Russell]
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6115
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Vagueness, and simples being beyond experience, are obstacles to a logical language
[Russell]
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6117
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Philosophy should be built on science, to reduce error
[Russell]
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21722
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Better to construct from what is known, than to infer what is unknown
[Russell]
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6118
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Philosophy is logical analysis, followed by synthesis
[Russell]
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