11 Apr '08 12:20>
Language, Truth and Logic -- worth bothering with?
Originally posted by Bosse de NageYes, it's worth a read, along with later criticisms of the Logical Empirisicm he advocated. It's a good introduction to the thought of the Vienna Circle, and important part of the history of analytic philosophy. Ayer was on the mark with his criticisms of the extravagent metaphysics of earlier speculative philosophy. However, the 'verification principle' has not stood the test of time. This has it, roughly, that the only meaningful propositions are those that can in principle at least be verified empirically; unfortunately the verification principle cannot itself be thus verified, and so is thought to be self-defeating.
Language, Truth and Logic -- worth bothering with?
Originally posted by Bosse de NageAyer was known as a philosopher who could express difficult ideas clearly, and along with Russell and Berlin, was well-known to the public.
It's surprisingly readable and enjoyable.
What would you follow it up with?
Originally posted by Iron MonkeyA bit of Wittgenstein can't hurt. I've got a copy of the later book. Is there a point to reading both? Which do you agree with more?
what to read next really depends upon your interests. if you're up for a challenge, you could try Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, which was a big influence on the Vienna Circle and, subsequently, Ayer. Wittgenstein later adopted a radically different position, however.
Originally posted by Bosse de Nagei'm more of a Philosophical Investigations guy than a Tractatus guy. if you just want to read one book by W, go with PI. It's a lot longer, but a lot more fun and i think - for reasons i won't go into here - that its conception of language is more useful. having said that, it's worth trying to understand what W was trying to do with the TLP.
A bit of Wittgenstein can't hurt. I've got a copy of the later book. Is there a point to reading both? Which do you agree with more?
I might just go off the deep end though and immerse myself in Vico. For some reason that book gives off a rare buzz.
Originally posted by PinkFloydThought you were joking the first time round ... But the Pentagon could do with a Logic Bomb.
OK--I saw the debate and the aftermath. This AJ Ayer--did he really bomb the Pentagon and other government buildings? If so, why is his ass not sitting in jail?
Originally posted by Iron Monkeyto be clear, are you talking about later Wittgenstein, or are you saying that at some point in his career when AYER turned against logical empricism?
[b]Yes, it's worth a read, along with later criticisms of the Logical Empirisicm he advocated. ...[text shortened]...
Originally posted by PinkFloydWilliam Ayers and most of the Weather Underground were let off because the CIA violated so many due process laws trying to track them down.
OK--I saw the debate and the aftermath. This AJ Ayer--did he really bomb the Pentagon and other government buildings? If so, why is his ass not sitting in jail?
Originally posted by Bosse de NageI think that generation of philosophers was very interesting. It's a short book, but it's not a very thrilling read. It's dry. But this little excerpt is pretty good.
Language, Truth and Logic -- worth bothering with?