Facilitators: Dr Francesco Bullucci and Professor Ahti-Veikko Pietarinen
Course Summary
This is an introductory course on the history and philosophy of diagrammatic logic. It will cover the historical development of logical diagrams and notations from G. W. Leibniz to modern times. Various diagrammatic systems will be sketched, including linear diagrams (J. H. Lambert), spatial diagrams (L. Euler, J. Venn), tabular diagrams (L. Carroll) and graphs (C. S. Peirce). The focus will be on the philosophical reasons and theoretical justifications that stimulated the invention and the adoption of diagrammatic systems of notation. We will also discuss the virtues of diagrams in comparison with symbolic notations as they were perceived by logicians and philosophers, and explain how logical graphs contributed to the development of modern logic at the turn of the 20th century. The course will include study and discussion of key texts in the history of logical diagrams. Some technical aspects of graphs will also be covered, together with exercises.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Attendees should have basic knowledge of elementary logic, up to first-order logic and quantification. No previous knowledge on diagrammatic logics is necessary. Delegates should be interested in diagrammatic logics from a historical and philosophical perspective.
Course Outcomes
On completing the course, attendees should have a broad, historically-oriented knowledge of the principal systems of diagrammatic representation. They should also be able to start identifying gaps in knowledge and begin to be able to scope a research project in this area.
Course Materials
Venn 1880 - Diagrammatic representation of propositions and reasonings