more from John P. Burgess

Single Idea 15421

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / A. Overview of Logic / 6. Classical Logic]

Full Idea

Classical logic neglects counterfactual conditionals for the same reason it neglects temporal and modal distinctions, namely, that they play no serious role in mathematics.

Gist of Idea

Classical logic neglects counterfactuals, temporality and modality, because maths doesn't use them

Source

John P. Burgess (Philosophical Logic [2009], 4.1)

Book Reference

Burgess,John P.: 'Philosophical Logic' [Princeton 2009], p.73


A Reaction

Science obviously needs counterfactuals, and metaphysics needs modality. Maybe so-called 'classical' logic will be renamed 'basic mathematical logic'. Philosophy will become a lot clearer when that happens.