Fellowship of the...

Edinburgh, 2016:trekearth.com

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York.

My apologies as this article has nothing to do with The Lord of the Rings. Yes I saw the very well-done films in the theatre, but I am not a fanatic. This may be a form of 'sacrilege' but it seemed like I viewed virtually the same very good film, done six times. To make matters worse, the wizards reminded me of the Harry Potter films, which I also viewed in the theatre. No, I do not read any related large fictional texts to learn the 'whole story' as certain friends suggest.
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In the previous section within the Langer text, the propositions presented a system of elements within a universe of discourse. This presents a formal context. (82).

In other words, the logical and proper use of symbolic logic allows for reasonably understood communication between two parties, within that system and universe of discourse, (82).

The symbol fm2  is introduced. (82). The symbol int is = (equals) by interpretation.or identified with. (82).

K=int 'persons' (82).

fm2='fellowship of' (82).

K=int with persons A, B, and C

The Arabic number two is dropped for Langer's examples. but it has been established that fellowship and fellowman would present two persons in context from my understanding.

A fm B (Person A has fellowship with person B)
B fm C (Person B has fellowship with person C)

Or is A the fellowman of B (82).

A person cannot be a fellowman of self. Therefore A is not the fellowman of A (82-83).

~(A fm A)

R=Russell Norman Murray

J=Jesus Christ

R fm J (Russell Norman Murray has fellowship with Jesus Christ, incarnate God, in a spiritual, biblical context. In a biblical sense we are fellowman/fellowmen (1 John as example)).

~=false

S=Satanic beings

~(R fm S) (Russell Norman Murray does not have fellowship with Satanic beings, in a spiritual, biblical context. Russell Norman Murray is not a fellowman with Satanic beings).

When a proposition is not true 'it is customary to enclose the proposition in parentheses and prefix to this whole prepossession the sign  ~.' (72). The tilde sign or symbol.

I admit this has been a little confusing reviewing this philosophy text as some non-false propositions are at least partly in parenthesis, but I work on. Learning these symbols will assist within the academic disciplines of philosophy and mathematics.

Contradictory premises: Pull the carpet...

Contradictory premises: Pull the carpet...

PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.

Contradictory premises

'The problem with contradictory premises is that they cannot both be true. If one is true, the other must be false, and vice versa. In other words, we can be certain that at least one of them must be false, and cannot generate a sound argument.' (69).

Dr. Russ is an atheist
Dr. Russ is a biblical Christian

We do not need to see the conclusion here, we already reasonably know, that at least the premises are contradictory. One premise might be true, but not both. A valid argument can have a false premise. (69). As long as the premise (s) are not true and the conclusion false, it is logically possible to have a valid argument.

Premise-Conclusion

TT, FF, FT, TF

A true premise (s) and false conclusion (TF) from these combinations, cannot possibly be logically valid.

However, as Pire recognizes, a sound (true) argument has all true premises. (69). It has a true conclusion.

The classic 'the moon is made of green cheese' (69), is documented as a valid premise, but not a premise in a sound (true) argument. It is not reasonable from empirical, scientific evidence that the moon is made of green cheese, but it is not an illogical premise as such.

I have coached my friends that in arguments, when one disagrees with the conclusion, deny a premise first, if that can be reasonably, truthfully done. This pulls the carpet. It prohibits one from being dragged into accepting a questionable conclusion after hastily accepting premises and then having to philosophically backtrack...

Premise

You want to get married right?

Here many would state, yes.

My answer, if I am clued in to a likely philosophically lazy conclusion:

No. I am not interested in (just) getting married. I would like to marry with mutual spiritual, intellectual and physical attraction in Christ.

Conclusion

Therefore, you have to play the game the way society and the church states and marry within the rules.

Yes, I have had this attempted on me more than once...

Logic is concerned entirely with concepts, not conceptions

Naples: trekearth: I have tentative plans for an England-Denmark trip next year, which may have a ministry angle, but one does not know how employment will change and develop. I would have liked to visit Italy, but my travel companion favours Denmark, which is also on my list of places to see.

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York.

Quote

'Every discourse, no matter how fragmentary or casual, moves in a certain context of inter-related ideas. In ordinary thinking this context is indefinite and shifting.' (79).

'The psychological context of our thoughts is largely private and personal.' (79). It is noted in the cases when two people are discussing the same event...

'They have, then, different conceptions.' (80). But even with some limited significant understanding of each other's conceptions they 'may embody the same concept.' (79).

In light of this fallen, sinful, corrupted human realm from a Biblical (Genesis, Romans, Revelation as examples) perspective and a secular perspective that human beings, are ontologically (existence and being) imperfect; historically and presently, different human conceptions between various groups and persons has led to the fueling of problems of evil and suffering.

Reasonable, clear and concise communication so that persons 'may embody the same concept' is a good and profitable. Romans 12: 18, without proof texting outside of context, is relevant here: New American Standard Bible;  'If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.'

Being at peace with others is often dependent on having clear and concise dialogue to understand concepts in the same way, or at least similar way. This objective approach, I attempt, at least, in all my academic research, reading and writing.

'Logic is concerned entirely with concepts, not conceptions'. (79). Bold my add.

One of my philosophical views I live by is that although both concepts and conceptions are important, in the pursuit of reason and truth, concepts are more important.

Langer titles this, as noted previously, on this site 'the universe of discourse' which is free from 'private and accidental aspects.' (79).

'The relations which obtain among such elements are called the constituent relations of the formal context.' (79). This leads to 'elementary propositions of the discourse.' (79), which have a value of truth or falsity. (80).

'The relations which hold among elementary propositions are not, the constituent relations in the formal context, but are logical relations. (80).

By logical relations, Langer is referring the symbols within symbolic logic.

page 80

cited

Logical relation symbols

Conjunction (.) Conjunctions within the universe of discourse are what 'makes sense' between constituent relations. (80). In other words, what makes sense between the concepts and terms documented.

Disjunction (V)

'The assertion of one proposition or the other.' (75). This means one, the other or both is true, at least one of the two propositions is true. (75).

V is an accepted symbols for either way.  (75).

~=false

In other words ~ equals false. This is the tilde symbol.

 ~ (A nt B) V ~ (B nt A) (75)

It is either false that A is north of B or that B is north of A...

The V means that either way one of the propositions is false. Or they both could be false. Equally north (in latitude, my add) (75).

⊃ is the symbol for implies (75) and implication (80).

(A nt B) ⊃ ~ (B nt A)

A is north of B, implies it is false that B is north of A.

Again, A and B could both be equally north.

I am trying to simplify this is much as possible. But I am learning as I read, and frankly academic philosophy and theology texts take some intense thinking. There is just no reasonable way around it.

Therefore, I present this in small segments and I am alternating article content with different text reviews and my own more original articles.

I understood problem of evil concepts better in my PhD thesis than my MPhil thesis and the concept of academic progression should be accepted in working through symbolic logic.

I have admitted that I would write my online articles if I had zero readers, but then again I prefer not to write that online diary.

Matthew, Luke: Timing is everything/Discrimination: Unreasonable & Reasonable

Chateau Saint-Marie, France-trekearth

Matthew, Luke: Timing is everything

An interesting concept was discussed in this recent online sermon.

Isaiah 33-35 July 27

Matthew 11: 1-7

New American Standard Bible

11 When Jesus had finished [a]giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and [b]preach in their cities. 2 Now when John, [c]while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the [d]Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the [e]gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he [f]who does not [g]take offense at Me.”

Luke 7: 20-23

New American Standard Bible

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Footnotes: Luke 7:22 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.

In his commentary, from Matthew, Jon Courson opines:

'Look around guys' said Jesus. And look it up. See that Isaiah prophesied the very things you are seeing: the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, and the dead rising. Look around, look it up, and tell John that the prophecies are being fulfilled and the kingdom is being seen-although in a different way than was perhaps expected.' (78).

So John was rebuked here. (78).

R.T. France writes that Jesus is clearly alluding to Isaiah 29-35, here. (192).

From Luke:

'...it was as if Jesus' message to John was: 'You've been hearing about the about the things that are happening, and yet you're only concerned about what is not happening" And the same is true of us.' (334).

Pastor Courson noted (paraphrased) in the Isaiah sermon that John was citing verses in regard to captives being freed from prison, and yet here John the Baptist was in prison, and about to be executed for displeasing King Herod.

However, from the sermon, the captives being set free aspect of Scripture was not being dealt with in the context of John being in prison. But other aspects of Scripture were being honoured by the Messiah, Jesus Christ in his gospel ministry, in submission to God the Father and with God, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' sayings:

Mark:

6 And blessed is he [f]who does not [g]take offense at Me.

Luke:

23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Are relevant to me as well. Pastor Courson is correct in stating...'and yet you're only concerned about what is not happening" And the same is true of is,' (334).

A theological key here is that 'timing is everything'. In this story from two sources, it was not God's, divine time to free John the Baptist from prison, rather it was time for John to be a martyr.

But it was God's divine time to provide other healings, miracles and demonstrations of the Kingdom of God. This is relevant in light of the problem of evil and actual unmet human ontological (human existence and being) needs. It is a better theological approach to state that unmet needs are not being met by God, due to God's timing, as opposed to, in error the rather intellectual lazy approach to categorise all unmet needs as simply 'felt needs'.

There is a difference between being blind and needing sight, an ontological unmet need; as opposed to owning a red Toyota and 'needing' (desiring) a red Ferrari.

France states: 'It took spiritual discernment not to be 'put off' by Jesus...' (193).

In light of problems of evil and suffering, being 'put off' by Jesus Christ and by God is a very reasonable possibility. Spiritual discernment needs to work in conjunction with prayer and biblical study, which are the two most important factors in order to work through disappointment with God.

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

FRANCE, R.T. (1985)(2001) Matthew, IVP/Eerdmans, Grand Rapids.

Warwick Castle: 1995

Discrimination: unreasonable & reasonable

Discrimination Wikipedia

Quote:

'In human social affairs, discrimination is treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing is perceived to belong to rather than on individual merit.'

Philosophically, I can reason that unreasonable discrimination is wrong.

There is no reasonable need for the 'White National Football Players Association', because the colour of the athlete is irrelevant in the context of playing in the National Football League and protecting a player's rights. The individual merit of all players, in context, is the same, regardless of colour.

The 'White National Football Players Association' would be an example of unreasonable discrimination.

When I decided to attempt to join the Evangelical Philosophy Society and the Evangelical Theological Society, a notable requirement was that I had to agree with brief evangelical doctrinal statements with each society. I also had to have earned at least a Master's degree in each discipline as per application.

If I could not meet either one of those two noted criteria, I would be denied membership. I would not merit membership into either society.

In regard to these two societies, this would be reasonable discrimination. It is fine to discriminate as in to recognize relevant distinction in context.

If one cools down and puts rationality above socially-charged, cultural, reaction, a person will find cases of reasonable and unreasonable discrimination extant. Some discrimination exists to protect the integrity of organizations within the Western democratic political system, just as, at times, forbidding unreasonable discrimination also protects the integrity of organizations within the Western political system.