Philosophical Logic: An Introduction [Paperback]

Sybil Wolfram (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415023181 | ISBN-13: 978-0415023184 | Publication Date: April 28, 1989 | Edition: 1

A basic introduction to the subject which addresses questions of truth and meaning, providing a basis for much of what is discussed elsewhere in philosophy. Up-to-date and comprehensive.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Provides a critical context to the problems of analysis and testing of arguments' - C. Parker, Huddersfield Polytechnic

'Accessible ... subtle but pedagogic ... excellent organization ... good bibliographies' - Dr. H. Lauer, University of Ghana

'Painless introduction to philosophical logic ... is ideally suited for undergraduate courses in philosophical logic.' - Explorations in Knowledge

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (April 28, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415023181
• ISBN-13: 978-0415023184
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #525,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer, March 23, 2001

By 

Devin Carless (Kitchener, ON CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philosophical Logic: An Introduction (Paperback)

I've read a few primers in the field of the philosophy of logic and language, and haven't found one better than this. Of the two, the emphasis of Wolfram's book is on the latter. She explains the difference between types and tokens, sense and reference, and extension and intension very clearly. She explains Quine's paradox of descriptions and modality with equal facility (and anyone who's read Quine will appreciate the novelty of being able to understand the subject on first reading.) And there's a lot more. The book is geared towards the undergraduate student with no background in the philosophy of language, but (in my not-entirely-qualified opinion) it has enough depth for the graduate level. It's a wonderful introduction to a very esoteric topic.

One warning is in order - Wolfram writes in the Anglo-American philosophical tradition. In other words, you won't find anything about semiotics, poststructuralist linguistics or the Continental philosophy of language. This isn't a failing, since the two traditions have split to the point where they've stopped communicating, but it is a caveat for those who are expecting the book to be something it's not.