LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York.
Symbolic Logic and Classes
A specific proposition is concerned with a certain subject, which could be pointed out and given a proper name. (112).
It is about 'this boy James' or this house called 'A'. (112).
A general proposition never mentions individuals.
To state 'all men are mortal' is a general proposition.
To state 'all men are mortal' is applied to Socrates, is a specific proposition.
Therefore: Socrates is mortal' is a specific proposition. (112).
Langer provides the example:
'some animal has killed a lamb.' This is a general proposition. (112).
Chucky has killed a lamb. This would be a specific proposition.
A general proposition mentions a member (s) of a certain class. (113). Any man is mortal, means any in the class of man is mortal. (113).
ε is epsilon from the Greek alphabet meaning is, a. This ε symbol, according to Langer is specifically meant as a symbol for is, a, in contrast with any symbol for is. Admittedly, my research has shown that ε is at times, interpreted in a variety of ways within mathematics, science and philosophy. But, of course this is a review of philosopher, Langer's text.
ε means member in a class. (114).
(m=mortal)
s ε m (Socrates is a mortal).
From Langer (114).
2 ε number (Two is a number).
A ε house ('A' is a house).
(∃a): a ε house (There exists 'a': 'a' is a house).
For a theological angle, one can certainly see that indeed all men are mortal. Could future advanced science provide any more than prolonged lifespan, but not immortality? Could a mortal human being, for example, ever survive being cast into a sun? (Are we getting into the intellectual realm of medically stored duplicate brains and bodies, memories included, in order to counter this type of possibility?)
In the Hebrew Bible there is the concept of the fall that leads to death (Genesis 2-3). Within the New Testament, death and judgement are certain for all mortal human beings (Hebrews 9). Immortality is provided in a future state for those within the atonement and resurrection work of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 21-22).
As a general proposition: All human beings will die.
As a specific proposition: x shall die.
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