[Physics] The filter of logic

[Thomas Goodey]

On 18 Oct 2016 at 6:25, physics-request at tuks.nl wrote:

> Logic is a minor branch of mathematics and it is also one
> of the essential classes taught in the philosophy
> curriculum. The tools of logic are quite sophisticated. 
> A paragraph of text can be broken down into a set of
> logical relationships without knowing the subject matter
> of the paragraph.  Narrative text can be broken down into
> a set of assumptions (or facts) and conclusions connected
> by assertions (logical operators).  No matter how complex
> the text the rules of logic can be applied to untangle
> the statements and determine if any errors were made in
> reaching the conclusions.  

Obviously you are a convinced believer in Aristotelian 
logic! But actually, that's not how the real world works. 
As has been pointed out many times in history, you only get 
out from a structured logic system of this type, what you 
have put in; it can produce nothing new. No scientific 
paper is structured in this way.

Alfred Korzybski would have had a lot more to say about 
your proposal!  

And, of course, the notion that any meaningful results 
could be obtained "without knowing the subject matter" is 
laughable.

> This test of logic could easily be applied to the text by
> a computer. 

By a computer of high-human-level intelligence, or by a 
computer of super-human-level intelligence. Neither of 
which presently exists, and neither of which is on the 
horizon either.  

Thomas Goodey
****************** 

But remember, please, the rules by which we live. 
We are not built to comprehend a lie. 
We can neither love, nor pity, nor forgive. 
If you make a slip in handling us you die.  

Rudyard Kipling, 'Secret of the Machines'