Re: Philosophy, Logic, Formal Systems
Reply #63 –
@Sparta: Since you refused my request that you post (sometimes...) in your native language, will you at least offer some definition of the term "n/or" as you mean it?
It seems, to me, most like "like" in the, like, you know?, like the lingo of contemporary teenagers: Valley Girl-speak... But I'd rather be wrong!
Still, I'm dying to know if you prefer ketchup and onions or mustard and relish on your hot dog! (We can leave for later the merits of sauerkraut...)
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Surely I accept speech and writing as the data (if that's what you mean by evidence) for linguistics. Whatever gave you a different impression? But from there, assuming that the data is supposed to mean anything, a theory of semantics is the next necessary step. And when semantics is acknowledged as a necessary part of the field of study this way, it cannot be assumed that it (=semantics or the semantic field) is unreal. If it's unreal then how can it be an object of study?
I would have thought syntax preceded semantics... But, seriously, the data is more real than the theory, isn't it?
Perhaps, not for you...
I've browsed various sources (on the net) to glean the meaning (the import) of infomatics. And, as near as I can tell, it's most like womens studies, African American studies, sociology and other disciplines that essentially involve navel-gazing and basket-weaving: Bureaucratic busy-work for the semi-literate would-be functionary...
Would someone please explain how any employed adult needs a handbook to determine what, exactly, is meant in a given context by the term "concept"?
Now: What gave me the impression that the data worthy of study (on this we agree?) is less important to you than theories? Your usage of, e.g., labels like semantics!
How, you ask, do some (most!) theories lead to absurdities? And you'd like me to list some such... Fair enough.
Let's start with the meaning of, say, red. Call it a property of physical objects... Define it scientifically or socially. I'm okay with that. But to create a mysterious realm of eternal, perfect things -- so that their instantiations, then, make sense?
Instantiations? Isn't the word a little silly? Is anyone really confused by color terms? And, if so, how are they the wiser for "knowing" that the "red" of an apple and the "red" of yon lassie's lips and the "red" of a fire engine are all but imperfect instantiations of the eternal Red?