Notes on Introduction to Logic -- Phil A101

Notes for  Logic

Lecture 4:

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_relativity

Language Game http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language-game

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSZrmbgO4pY Umberto Eco on an Infinity of Lists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_GBwuYuOOs fractals

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html

Given that words have relative meanings according to their context or language game, how can we establish standards by which words can have legal weight in contracts, laws, etc.?

Do politicians lie?

Lecture 5.