A Dictionary of Philosophical Logic

by Roy T. Cook

This dictionary introduces undergraduate and post-graduate students in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science to the main problems and positions in philosophical logic. Coverage includes not only key figures, positions, terminology, and debates within philosophical logic itself, but issues in related, overlapping disciplines such as set theory and the philosophy of mathematics as well. Entries are extensively cross-referenced, so that each entry can be easily located within the context of wider debates, thereby providing a valuable reference both for tracking the connections between concepts within logic and for examining the manner in which these concepts are applied in other philosophical disciplines.

Genres: Philosophy, Logic, Nonfiction, Reference

328 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2009

Reviews

[Joshua Finnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cook's A Dictionary of Philosophical Logic provides a comprehensive guide to the concepts involved in the field of philosophical logic, in addition to set theory, philosophy of mathematics, and the philosophy of language. Written by a single author with a concern for depth as well as breadth of coverage, this dictionary covers the major viewpoints and the technical tools used in the execution of logic. Entries are arranged alphabetically and are extensively cross-referenced. The biggest challenge in constructing a dictionary of philosophical logic is elucidating logical concepts to the uninitiated using natural language. However, higher-order logic concepts, such as the quantifier shift fallacy, require the use of formal logical notation. The bulk of the dictionary, 312 out of 322 pages, is dedicated to the numerous entries. Additional elements include an appendix of important mathematicians, logicians, and philosophers of logic, and an extensive bibliography. The bibliography is not meant to be exhaustive, but includes major works ranging from modal logic to paradoxes. These additional materials are helpful, but it is the clear and concise nature of the dictionary that make this text worthwhile for students and professors of logic. Valuable for the specialist in philosophical logic, this volume will also be of great use to advanced students of logic since it provides a ready-reference tool for clarifying the meanings of technical terms. This title is recommended for academic libraries with degree programs in mathematics, computer science, or philosophy.