more from John P. Burgess

Single Idea 15407

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 2. Logical Connectives / a. Logical connectives]

Full Idea

When formalising arguments it is convenient to have as many connectives as possible available.; but when proving results about formulas it is convenient to have as few as possible.

Gist of Idea

Formalising arguments favours lots of connectives; proving things favours having very few

Source

John P. Burgess (Philosophical Logic [2009], 1.4)

Book Reference

Burgess,John P.: 'Philosophical Logic' [Princeton 2009], p.4


A Reaction

Illuminating. The fact that you can whittle classical logic down to two (or even fewer!) connectives warms the heart of technicians, but makes connection to real life much more difficult. Hence a bunch of extras get added.

Related Idea

Idea 10766 Logic is either for demonstration, or for characterizing structures [Tharp]