Single Idea 10766

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / A. Overview of Logic / 1. Overview of Logic]

Full Idea

One can distinguish at least two quite different senses of logic: as an instrument of demonstration, and perhaps as an instrument for the characterization of structures.

Gist of Idea

Logic is either for demonstration, or for characterizing structures

Source

Leslie H. Tharp (Which Logic is the Right Logic? [1975], §2)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Logic: an anthology', ed/tr. Jacquette,Dale [Blackwell 2002], p.37


A Reaction

This is trying to capture the proof-theory and semantic aspects, but merely 'characterizing' something sounds like a rather feeble aspiration for the semantic side of things. Isn't it to do with truth, rather than just rule-following?

Related Idea

Idea 15407 Formalising arguments favours lots of connectives; proving things favours having very few [Burgess]