Stoic logic and multiple generality
We argue that the extant evidence for Stoic logic provides all the elements required for a variable-free theory of multiple generality, including a number of remarkably modern features that straddle logic and semantics, such as the understanding of one- and two-place predicates as functions, the can...
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| Формат: | Journal article |
| Мова: | English |
| Опубліковано: |
Michigan Publishing
2020
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| Резюме: | We argue that the extant evidence for Stoic logic provides all the elements required for a variable-free
theory of multiple generality, including a number of remarkably modern features that straddle logic
and semantics, such as the understanding of one- and two-place predicates as functions, the canonical
formulation of universals as quantified conditionals, a straightforward relation between elements of
propositional and first-order logic, and the roles of anaphora and rigid order in the regimented
sentences that express multiply general propositions. We consider and reinterpret some ancient texts
that have been neglected in the context of Stoic universal and existential propositions and offer new
explanations of some puzzling features in Stoic logic. Our results confirm that Stoic logic surpasses
Aristotle’s with regard to multiple generality, and are a reminder that focusing on multiple generality
through the lens of Frege-inspired variable-binding quantifier theory may hamper our understanding
and appreciation of pre-Fregean theories of multiple generality.
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