On the Inscrutability of Logic in Certain Natural Language Contexts

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12969065
AutoresHorst Ruthrof (0000-0002-5018-5918, Murdoch University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2013
Volumen4
Número2
Páginas104-121
Fecha de publicación2013-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPublic Journal of Semiotics (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1918-9907 • E-ISSN: 1918-9907
EditorialPublic Journal of Semiotics, Lund University (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.37693/pjos.2013.4.8844
OpenAlexW1485592379
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas13

The paper opens by defining 'logical universality' as the retention of the propositional content of expressions under any enunciative circumstances. Universality in this sense, the paper claims, cannot be demonstrated in the same manner across different discursive domains and sign systems. Unlike in geometry, arithmetic, algebraic and mathematical logic, where logical universality can be shown to be non-controversial, the concept of universality becomes problematic as soon as natural language terms and syntax are employed. The paper shows the main reasons for this difficulty to lie in the extensional features of natural language, which cannot be adequately captured by intentional means. Intentional descriptions are claimed to apply only to semiotically homogeneous sign systems of a formal kind. Natural language expressions, in contrast, are semiotically heterogeneous, or heterosemiotic, characterised as they are by quasi-perceptual ingredients. Nevertheless, the paper argues, there are three cases in which logical universality can be demonstrated to hold in spite of natural language being employed, one of which is strictly technical language. In contrast, culturally fully saturated natural language use is shown to escape the constraints of logical universality as defined, on the grounds that some of its essential features, such as referential background, reference, and deixis, especially in its implicit form, effectively undermine the retention of identical propositional contents across cultures and time

Epistemology · Extensional definition · Linguistics · Metaphysics · Natural language · Object language · Philosophy of language · Semiotics · Universality (dynamical systems · Computer Science · Historical Linguistics and Language Studies · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and Theoretical Science · Pragmatism in Philosophy and Education