Ockham's Theory of Propositions (Pt. 2) [Hardcover]

William Ockham (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1890318515 | ISBN-13: 978-1890318512 | Publication Date: January 30, 1998

In this work Ockham proposes a theory of simple predication, which he then uses in explicating the truth conditions of progressively more complicated kinds of propositions. His discussion includes what he takes to be the correct semantic treatment of quantified propositions, past tense and future tense propositions, and modal propositions, all of which are receiving much attention from contemporary philosophers. He also illustrates the use of exponential analysis to deal with propositions that prove troublesome in both semantic theory and other disciplines, such as metaphysics, physics, and theology. This type of analysis plays an essential role in his substantive philosophical and theological works, and in many cases then can hardly be understood without a prior acquaintance with this section of the Summa.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

Product Details

• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: St. Augustines Press (January 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890318515
• ISBN-13: 978-1890318512
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,765,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Translation of a difficult work, August 17, 2000

By 

T. B. Vick "T.B.V." - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ockham's Theory of Propositions (Pt. 2) (Hardcover)

This is a translation of Ockham's work titled the "Summa Logicae" (Part II). The translators are Alfred J. Freddoso (who also translated the "Concordia" by Luis de Molina) and Henry Schuurman. Much of what Ockham is dealing with in this particular work is the philosophy of language and logic. Ockham discusses the truth conditions of propositions (indicative sentences). He begins at the best place, with the most simple or basic propositions and works his way to the more complicated propositions. Past tense and future tensed propositions are dealt with as well as modal propositions. This book is not basic reading. In fact, if you do not have a background in logic you will labor through this text. However, if you do have a background in the study of logic then you will probably enjoy this book. Some of the table of contents are "On the Classification of Propositions," "What is Required for the Truth of an Indefinite Proposition and of a Particular Proposition," "On Universal Propositions," "On Past Tense and Future Tense Propositions," How to Find Out When a Proposition, One of Whose Extremes is an Oblique Case, is True or False," "On Conditional Propositions, " "On Conjunctive Propositions," "On Hypothetical Propositions and Their Properties," etc. Moreover, the book contains a very helpful introduction by Freddoso which helps to identify and explain what Ockham is dealing with in this work. This is a much needed translation of a Philosopher whose works are not translated into English like they should be.