Single Idea 22437

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 1. Ontology of Logic]

Full Idea

A logical language is not independent of ordinary language. It has its roots in ordinary language, and these roots are not to be severed.

Gist of Idea

Logical languages are rooted in ordinary language, and that connection must be kept

Source

Willard Quine (Mr Strawson on Logical Theory [1953], V)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ways of Paradox and other essays' [Harvard 1976], p.150


A Reaction

Music to my ears. When you study logic, no one has to teach you what the words 'or' and 'if-then' mean, but they are disambiguated by the symbolism. The roots of logic are in ordinary talk of 'and', 'or' and 'not', which is the real world.