- #1
Rade
In response to a very critical review in another thread of the following statement by philosopher Ayn Rand.
"Every word we use (with the exception of proper names) is a symbol that denotes a concept, i.e., that stands for an unlimited number of concretes of a certain kind" (A. Rand, 1979, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology"--link: http://www.noblesoul.com/orc/books/rand/itoe.html) . See also: http://originresearch.com/documents/rand16.cfm ;
...I wish to open a new thread to discuss Rands understanding (or lack) of the relationship between the terms "words" and "concepts". Of course it is expected that one will have already read the above book of Rand where her argument is logically presented from axiomatic concepts based on her philosophy she coined 'Objectivism". For those professional philosophers now about to retrieve the airline barf bag from their suitcase, please view this as an opportunity to set Rand straight by-god, as seen here: http://www.noblesoul.com/orc/critics/index.html#epistemology
I will require (yes, require, it is my thread) that all references to Rand (IOE) be cited by page number and edition (1979 or 1990). If you cite a different work of Rand, let us know what it is.
We will start with these definitions provided by Rand in IOE that help form the basis of her theory of concepts, and her understanding of their relationship to words:
(IOE 1979, p. 11.) A "concept" is a mental integration of two or more units which are isolated according to a specific characteristic(s) and united by a specific definition"
(IOE 1979, p. 8) "Units" are things viewed by a consciousness in certain existing relationships"
(IOE 1979, p. 8) "Measurement" is the identification of a relationship--a quantitative relationship established by means of a standard that serves as a unit.
(IOE 1979, p. 12). "Language" is a code of visual-auditory symbols that serves the psych-epistemological function of converting concepts into the mental equivalent of concretes"
(IOE 1979, p. 12) "Words" transform concepts into (mental) entities; "definitions" provide them {eg. concepts} with identity. (Words without definitions are not language but inarticulate sounds). (IOE p. 52) A "word" is merely a visual-auditory symbol used to represent a concept; a "word" has no meaning other than that of the concept it symbolizes, and the meaning of a concept consists of its units.
(IOE 1979, p. 73) An "axiomatic concept" is the identification of a primary fact of reality, which cannot be analyzed...it is the fundamentally given...which requires no proof or explanation, but on which all proofs and explanation rest.
"Every word we use (with the exception of proper names) is a symbol that denotes a concept, i.e., that stands for an unlimited number of concretes of a certain kind" (A. Rand, 1979, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology"--link: http://www.noblesoul.com/orc/books/rand/itoe.html) . See also: http://originresearch.com/documents/rand16.cfm ;
...I wish to open a new thread to discuss Rands understanding (or lack) of the relationship between the terms "words" and "concepts". Of course it is expected that one will have already read the above book of Rand where her argument is logically presented from axiomatic concepts based on her philosophy she coined 'Objectivism". For those professional philosophers now about to retrieve the airline barf bag from their suitcase, please view this as an opportunity to set Rand straight by-god, as seen here: http://www.noblesoul.com/orc/critics/index.html#epistemology
I will require (yes, require, it is my thread) that all references to Rand (IOE) be cited by page number and edition (1979 or 1990). If you cite a different work of Rand, let us know what it is.
We will start with these definitions provided by Rand in IOE that help form the basis of her theory of concepts, and her understanding of their relationship to words:
(IOE 1979, p. 11.) A "concept" is a mental integration of two or more units which are isolated according to a specific characteristic(s) and united by a specific definition"
(IOE 1979, p. 8) "Units" are things viewed by a consciousness in certain existing relationships"
(IOE 1979, p. 8) "Measurement" is the identification of a relationship--a quantitative relationship established by means of a standard that serves as a unit.
(IOE 1979, p. 12). "Language" is a code of visual-auditory symbols that serves the psych-epistemological function of converting concepts into the mental equivalent of concretes"
(IOE 1979, p. 12) "Words" transform concepts into (mental) entities; "definitions" provide them {eg. concepts} with identity. (Words without definitions are not language but inarticulate sounds). (IOE p. 52) A "word" is merely a visual-auditory symbol used to represent a concept; a "word" has no meaning other than that of the concept it symbolizes, and the meaning of a concept consists of its units.
(IOE 1979, p. 73) An "axiomatic concept" is the identification of a primary fact of reality, which cannot be analyzed...it is the fundamentally given...which requires no proof or explanation, but on which all proofs and explanation rest.
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