Notes on Introduction to Logic -- Phil A101

William Jamison - Instructor

Lecture on Definitions:

 

Definitions - where do they come from? Who determines what they are?

C.S. Lewis "Words" versus Wittgenstein "Language Games".

Each model is useful in some ways but not in all. Words meanings evolve but some stability is required for communications to take place. There is no private language. (See Youtube videos of Wittgenstein the movie)

Kinds of Definitions

Ostensive seem first. Note Baby sign language. But grammar is there too! Recent studies indicate that a fetus even learns accents while in the womb.

How about the Mozart effect?

Exercises

Uses of Definitions

Exercises

Criteria for Good Definitions

Exercises

Summary

 

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