Peirce's 1885 “Algebra of Logic” • Selection 4
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❝On the Algebra of Logic❞
❝A Contribution to the Philosophy of Notation❞
❝§1. Three Kinds Of Signs❞ (concl.)
❝In this paper, I purpose to develop an algebra adequate to
the treatment of all problems of deductive logic, showing as
I proceed what kinds of signs have necessarily to be employed
at each stage of the development. I shall thus attain three
objects. The first is the extension of the power of logical
algebra over the whole of its proper realm. The second is the
illustration of principles which underlie all algebraic notation.
The third is the enumeration of the essentially different kinds
of necessary inference; for when the notation which suffices
for exhibiting one inference is found inadequate for explaining
another, it is clear that the latter involves an inferential
element not present to the former. Accordingly, the procedure
contemplated should result in a list of categories of reasoning,
the interest of which is not dependent upon the algebraic way
of considering the subject.
❝I shall not be able to perfect the algebra sufficiently to
give facile methods of reaching logical conclusions: I can
only give a method by which any legitimate conclusion may be
reached and any fallacious one avoided. But I cannot doubt
that others, if they will take up the subject, will succeed in
giving the notation a form in which it will be highly useful in
mathematical work. I even hope that what I have done may prove
a first step toward the resolution of one of the main problems of
logic, that of producing a method for the discovery of methods in
mathematics.❞ (3.364).
Regards,
Jon
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