Single Idea 13845

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / A. Overview of Logic / 4. Pure Logic]

Full Idea

I don't believe English is by nature classical or intuitionistic etc. These are abstractions made by logicians. Logicians attend to numerous different objects that might be served by 'If...then', like material conditional, strict or relevant implication.

Gist of Idea

The various logics are abstractions made from terms like 'if...then' in English

Source

Ian Hacking (What is Logic? [1979], §15)

Book Reference

'A Philosophical Companion to First-Order Logic', ed/tr. Hughes,R.I.G. [Hackett 1993], p.250


A Reaction

The idea that they are 'abstractions' is close to my heart. Abstractions from what? Surely 'if...then' has a standard character when employed in normal conversation?