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1500 questions
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How do proofs about logic fit into a logical framework?
I'm learning logic from Michael O'Leary's A First Course in Mathematical Logic and Set Theory. In chapter 1 he carefully explains the meaning of logical implication (p ⊨ q), logical inference (p ⟹ q), proof (p ⊢ q), and "star" proof (p ⊢* q). (The…
WillG
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8
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What did Gödel mean by "positive property" in his ontological argument?
In his ontological proof, Gödel states (Axiom 1)
If a property is positive, then its negation is not positive.
What does he meant by this term? I have come across authors who replace this notion of positiveness with that of truth, but I doubt very…
user36437
8
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1 answer
How is meaning-holism a problem for the analytic-synthetic distinction?
I read Quine's Two Dogmas, and I also read two of Harman's papers:'Doubts about Conceptual Analysis,' and 'Analyticity Regained?' I have a couple of observations: Both Quine and Harman adopt a kind of holism. Quine thinks that analyticity is not to…
objectivesea
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What sentence convinced Russell that Wittgenstein was not a "complete idiot"?
On several occasions I've come across Russell's account of his decision that Wittgenstein was not a "complete idiot", but I've never been able to figure out what Wittgenstein wrote to him or what that one sentence was. Can anyone tell me?
Here's a…
TCP
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8
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What is the difference between 'accidental' and 'contingent'?
What is different between 'accidental' and 'contingent'?
I thought that accidental contains intentional notation while Contingent does not. But there could be an intentional action that turns out to be accidental. For example, I intentionally went…
Minki Jung
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8
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3 answers
Is Heraclitus really a Mobilist?
I learned that Heraclitus stressed the importance of change and the ephemeral nature of things in the cosmos. However, it seems that Heraclitus refers to a "logos":
The opening of Heraclitus' book refers to a “logos which holds forever.”[3] There…
Delforge
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Does Darwin owe a debt to Hegel?
I just realized that Darwin's theory of evolution is very much historicist, and resembles Hegel's notion of an arc of history: evolution is progressive and moves with purpose in an almost dialectical fashion (e.g. several individuals compete until…
Alexander S King
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Is there a philosophy of stupidness?
In the near past, I've read about the work of Tversky and Kahneman, the text said that they presented their work to a famous American philosopher (without mentioning names) and he said that he wasn't interested in a philosophy of stupidness. From…
Red Banana
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What is the logical distinction between “the same” and “equal to?”
We all understand that
Given A = C, and B = C,
Then A = B.
However, A is not “the same as” B.
Example:
A is the question, “What animals have feathers and can fly?”
B is the question, “What was the primary subject of artist John James Audubon?”
C is…
Vogon Poet
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Why shouldn't you lie to the future murderer of your children?
I've heard two versions of this anecdote about Kant's ethics:
You are at home and a man with an axe rings the bell. He asks where your children are so that he can kill them. It is, according to Kant, not allowed to lie to the man.
There's a war…
user2953
8
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3 answers
Is meditation valid to study consciousness scientifically?
In the study of consciousness, neuroscience observes mental phenomena through physical correlations, using techniques such as fMRI, PET and EEG. These are considered valid and reproductible, and can be used to validate theories about the…
Andre Resende
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8
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2 answers
The concept of eudaimonia
The usual definitions of eudaimonia as "happiness" or "flourishing" or the like, don't seem to fit the actual translation of the word. The word means "a good spirit," where "spirit" has semi-mystical connotations (e.g. the daimon of Socrates). I…
Kristian Berry
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What is the goal and toolset of philosophy?
I'm beginning to realize that I might have misconseptions about philosophy in general.
Is it to question and contend indefinitely or is there a goal?
I thought the goal was truth.
While I'm at it, also what is the "philosophical toolkit"?
I thought…
QWERTY_dw
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Purpose and examples of Phenomenological analysis (transcendental reduction)
I would like to ask whether there are any concrete end-to-end examples that you are aware of, and ones that I can go through that are considered correct transcripts of the transcendental reduction method.
I am confused with regards to the…
bodhihammer
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8
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8 answers
Why are there so many religions and gods?
Why are there so many religions and gods all over the world? Come to think of it, when the idea spread, why did people develop different gods and beliefs rather than follow the same one?
If the idea of a god did develop independently, without any…
jp_
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