Laws of Form" by G. Spencer-Brown: Is It Worth a Read?

In summary, "Laws of Form" by G. Spencer-Brown is a philosophical and mathematical exploration of the nature of form and the laws governing it. G. Spencer-Brown is a British mathematician, philosopher, and author who is best known for his work on the foundations of mathematics and his book "Laws of Form". Some key concepts discussed in "Laws of Form" include the notion of distinction, the process of marking, and the relationship between form and substance. It is a difficult read, recommended for readers with a strong background in mathematics and logic. Some criticisms of "Laws of Form" include its abstract and difficult-to-follow writing style, its heavy reliance on symbolic notation, and its lack of practical applications in
  • #1
mercmisfire
16
0
"Laws of Form" by G. Spencer-Brown --> anyone read it ? Someone recommended it to me, but it's out of print and the copies I can find are not exactly cheap. I was wondering if it was worth a read.
thanks,
-->merc
 
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  • #2
Check out this site: http://www.lawsofform.org/lof.html

If you find a copy of Principles of Biological Autonomy by Francisco Varela, you might want to pick that up. It elaborates on the arithmetic developed in Laws of Form.
 
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  • #3
"Laws of Form" by G. Spencer-Brown is a highly influential and thought-provoking book in the field of mathematics and philosophy. Its unique approach to logic and its exploration of the fundamental structures of thought have made it a seminal work in the field.

However, it is not an easy read and requires a strong background in mathematics and formal logic to fully understand. Additionally, as you mentioned, it is out of print and the available copies are expensive. Therefore, I would suggest considering your interest and background in the subject before investing in a copy.

If you are passionate about exploring new and unconventional ideas, and have a solid foundation in mathematics and logic, then "Laws of Form" may be worth a read. But if you are looking for a light and easy read, it may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the decision to read this book depends on your personal interests and goals.
 

What is the book "Laws of Form" about?

The book "Laws of Form" by G. Spencer-Brown is a philosophical and mathematical exploration of the nature of form and the laws governing it.

Who is G. Spencer-Brown?

G. Spencer-Brown is a British mathematician, philosopher, and author who is best known for his work on the foundations of mathematics and his book "Laws of Form".

What are some key concepts discussed in "Laws of Form"?

Some key concepts discussed in "Laws of Form" include the notion of distinction, the process of marking, and the relationship between form and substance.

Is "Laws of Form" a difficult read?

Yes, "Laws of Form" can be a difficult read as it deals with complex mathematical and philosophical ideas. It is recommended for readers with a strong background in mathematics and logic.

What are some criticisms of "Laws of Form"?

Some criticisms of "Laws of Form" include its abstract and difficult-to-follow writing style, its heavy reliance on symbolic notation, and its lack of practical applications in fields outside of mathematics and philosophy.

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