Sunday, June 24, 2018

A well-established system of logic is essential

Peter Twele: Facebook

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

In Chapter IX 9: The Algebra of Logic

Philosopher Langer, explains that within symbolic logic an assumed  Universe of Discourse exists whose elements were certain with specific classes of A, B, C etcetera; this includes class I and a null class 0. (206).

For each (positive) class of A, B, C, etcetera, there is a negative class. (206). For every two classes (as described by Langer) there is a sum and a product. (206). Therefore what is a produced is what Langer names a calculus. (2006).

Facts about specific elements are expressed. (206). If these facts are not expressed then a correct calculus cannot be reached within a Universe of Discourse in symbolic logic. For example, if the sum of A and (plus) B were not equal to B (In other words, if A and B were not the same), then the product of A and -B could not be 0. (206). She reasons that we might instead calculate the sum of A x -B and B as the element of A + B. (206). Every structure is composed of elements. (49).

Notice, she is stating might...

This is rules of formal reasoning as opposed to necessarily truth. But, the truth there is requires logic and reason for correct presentation.

For arguments sake, reviewing Langer, if from her example the sum of A and  B did not produce the product of B, then perhaps the product in a Universe of Discourse would instead be C,or Z, etcetera, produced by multiplication. Instead of a general theory of classes, rather the properties of each class may be learned. (206). For me, Langer's example here lacks clarity.

What exactly does she mean by A x -B and B?

This textbook requires more footnotes with explanation.

A key to understanding any calculus, any calculations would be to have a well-established system within the Universe of Discourse. A well-established system of logic is essential in symbolic and also with the presentation of premise (s) and conclusions within academic disciplines.

Key symbols

≡df = Equivalence by definition
: = Equal (s)
ε = Epsilon and means is
 ⊃ = Is the same as
 ⊨ is Entails
 ˜ = Not
∃ = There exists
∃! = There exists
∴ = Therefore
. = Therefore
< = Is included
v = a logical inclusive disjunction (disjunction is the relationship between two distinct alternatives).
x = variable
= Conjunction meaning And
0 = Null class
cls = Class
int = Interpretation





Friday, June 22, 2018

Reforming from Reformed?

SUV from the North Shore to Vancouver, Wednesday.

Preface

The topic below was discussed in general terms as I met with a Reformed pastor today.

I opined that a good understanding of Reformed theology should isolate church members and attenders from adapting to liberal theology. He agreed.

(Sadly, this good understanding is not taking place in Reformed churches in many cases, according to this pastor with a PhD.)

Some are reforming from reformed...sad to hear.

PhD, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, 2010: Theodicy and Practical Theology 

Scudder comments that if the sovereignty of God is stressed, and evil is still considered to be reality, then this logically leads to the idea that God causes evil and it is part of a predetermined plan. I agree with this notion, but Scudder deduces that a strong view of God willing evil for the greater good means evil could be understood as not really being evil. I can understand how a scholar could come to such a conclusion, but a Reformed influenced sovereignty theodicy does not need to agree with this idea which is foreign to both traditional Reformed and conservative theology.

Robert H. Mounce (1995) explains that God directs the affairs in life, for those who love him, for the greater good. C.E.B. Cranfield (1992) comments that although God can will grievous and evil things to occur, God in Christ works these things towards the greater good, in particular in the context of salvation for those that know Christ. Evil and sin are not to be confused with goodness and obedience within Reformed traditions, but as God willingly allows evil things to occur, his purposes and motives are pure.
Driving downhill faster than I expected or wanted.

CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.

SCUDDER, DELTON, LEWIS (1940) Tennant’s Philosophical Theology, London, Oxford University Press.

MPhil, Bangor University, 2003: The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives.


Thursday, June 21, 2018

31 Days of Prayer For Canada

Canadian Bible Society

This is my personal website, the views expressed do not express the views of my employer, The Canadian Bible Society.

As Regional Director for British Columbia and Yukon, I can state that I am receiving good feedback from local pastors and churches in regard to the guide. This colourful, simple prayer guide provides a Scriptural reference for each day of July, from July 1 to July 31. It features various bible versions throughout the month, encouraging Canadians to ponder on the national celebrations for Canada Day, July 1 with prayer to the biblical God.

For a copy, please contact:

rnmred@gmail.com

Prayer

Monday, June 18, 2018

Leibniz and Newton invented this...

Yesterday: North East Maple Ridge: Barnebcue

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

The review continued:

On page 200, Philosopher Langer explains that the system of symbolic logic (that has been explained for 200 pages) describes definite rules of computation. (199). These elements are described as calculus in the most general sense of use of that word. (200). Langer reasons that of course the tern 'calculus' is used in mathematics, and is quote 'invented by Leibniz and Newton' (200). Langer reasons that a calculus is in any system wherein one can calculate. (200).

The calculus of class somewhat resembles ordinary algebra she reasons. (200). Far more simplistic than most algebra (200), (although, still definitely tricky to convey to readers!).

I read in an academic article years ago that the use of symbolic logic by philosophers dissuades many academics within philosophy, philosophy of religion and theology to attempt to interpret. This motivated me to study this Langer text!

w = World Cup
u = Colourful uniforms
n = Nationalism
f = Fanatics

(w) ⊨ u = n ∴ f

World Cup entails colourful uniforms and (equals) nationalism, therefore fanatics.

x = World Cup
a = Colourful uniforms
b = Nationalism
c = Fanatics

(x) ⊨ a = b ∴ c


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

Key symbols

≡df = Equivalence by definition
: = Equal (s)
 ε = Epsilon and means is
 ⊃ = Is the same as
 ⊨ is Entails
 ˜ = Not ∃
= There exists
∃! = There exists
∴ = Therefore
. = Therefore
< = Is included
v = a logical inclusive disjunction (disjunction is the relationship between two distinct alternatives).
x = variable
= Conjunction meaning And
0 = Null class
cls = Class
int = Interpretation