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LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York.
Chapter 1: The Study of forms (Continued)
Finding applications for concepts is called interpretation of an abstract form. (37).
For example, the abstract concept of 'rotation' can be demonstrated with the idea of a wheel, a spinning top or the whirl of a propeller. (37).
A fan, that produces a current of air. (My add).
These are all interpretations of the form. (37). All different contents for the abstract concept of rotation. (37).
The author continues:
Physics deals with forms that have physical things for contents. (37).
Biology deals with forms that deal with living matter. (37).
Langer reasons there are two ways in which new forms of things are discovered: (38).
1. By abstraction from instances which nature collects in order to recognize a common form. (38).
2. The interpretation of common forms which have been abstractly constructed. (38).
She states the second way is 'easier'. (38). A variety of forms makes it easier to know what one is looking for while researching. (38).
These would be less abstract, having already been constructed and therefore would be more practical forms,
Langer writes:
'Now what mathematics is to the natural sciences, logic, the more general study of forms, is to philosophy, the more general understanding of the world.' (40).
A key explanation in the section:
10. Logic and Philosophy (40).
She reasons philosophy aims to see reality and all things in proportion to each other, in some order within a system. (40).
'Logic is to the philosopher what the telescope is to the astronomer: an instrument of vision.' (41).
Importantly again, 'Abstraction is the consideration of logical form apart from content'. (42-43).
Therefore abstractions must be used correctly, states the author. (43). This in order to avoid error. (43). Abstracted forms are called concepts. (43). Finding contents for an empty form is known as interpretation. (43).
Logic deal with forms without reference to content. (43).
Logic is a tool of philosophy as mathematics is a tool of physics. (43).
Logic is also a tool of theology, which is in a sense 'the study of philosophy in regard to God', my definition. The two disciplines overlap within philosophy of religion.
