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LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York.
Brief Principles of Symbolic Expression: Vancouver is North of Los Angeles
To summarize the section:
An Introduction To Symbolic Logic: The Essential of Logical Structure (pp. 45-63).
Brief Principles of Symbolic Expression (p.62)
'(1) Radical distinction between term signs and relation signs.
(2) Avoidance of false suggestion.
(3) Precedence of logical exactness over any psychological advantages.
(4) Avoidance of traditionally pre-empted signs.
(5) Due attention to distinctness, compactness, and typographical simplicity.'
Langer explains that elements connected by a relation are called its terms. (49).
Relation: 'being North of'. (49). Relation sign: 'n' my add.
Terms: Montreal is 'North of' New York. (49). Term signs 'M' and 'N'.
Terms: Vancouver is 'North of'' Los Angeles, Term signs 'V' and 'L' (My add)
Therefore a possible use of symbolic logic with the terms:
M n N
V n L
This is consistent with what was presented on the post:
Briefly On Symbolic Suggestiveness: Chicago, Denver, New York
Langer suggests for this set either:
C, D, and N
or
C, D, and Y
not
C, D, and NY (59)
I would prefer C, D, and N to state that Chicago is between Denver and New York
Clarity of terms and signs, as documented above is essential to avoid false suggestion and depending more on psychology than logic with terms.
Based on Langer's work, it is important to avoid confusion by not using the terms 'NY', 'NYC' or 'LA' in symbolic logic. Using the term 'LA' could be understood, despite the obvious modern cultural use of 'LA' meaning Los Angeles in various contexts, as two locations. For example, a Los Angeles/Anaheim metropolitan area. This would be a metropolitan area in the context of professional sports such as baseball and hockey, as each sport has a franchise in both markets.
Thinking out of the box:
I will admit that on this point, this text may be a little dated (1953)(1967). In 2016, I could reasonably understand the use of NY and LA in modern symbolic language without significant confusion because I reason Western culture in 2016 uses abbreviated titles more than in Langer's era of the 1950's and 1960's. Culture is now less formal and this should be considered within symbolic logic.
Two corporate examples come to mind as in the historical companies from both our era and Langer's day, such as Kentucky Fried Chicken now known as 'KFC' and Dairy Queen, now known as 'DQ'.
A concern for the date and era of documented material cited was in particular emphasized to me within the British academic system.
But, even with that acknowledgment, I will respect Langer's professional approach in regard to the matter. Most of her presentation is timeless.
Lastly, in regard to pre-empted signs, the '=' sign and like should remain with classic mathematical and philosophical forms for clarity. At he same time compactness and clarity in presentation is essential.
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