Re: How long are the arms of Formalisms?


Nam Nguyen wrote:

Consider the formula:

(1) ExAy(x+y=y)

There are 11 formal signs (symbols) seen in (1). What are the
*physical objects and behaviors* that these signs would portray?

The signs are physical objects or stand in lieu of arrangements of
them. The behaviours of these signs mimic the behaviours of a physical
world. Signs do not appear or vanish without cause (as exemplified by
deductions for example, and the balancing of equations), they can be
added or re-arranged, manoeuvured, and counted according to physical
guidelines.

"Abstract" must be left behind if it is intended to serve as a
description.

In case you're not aware of it, a description of something is always
abstract! (Good grief!)

Abstract does not convey anything. You might say that signs occupy a
third platonic realm in Freges sense, but this fails on some counts.

.

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