Yuan Ze University - College of General Studies

WORLD LOGIC DAY 14 January

Starting from Tractatus 101 - A  Taiwanese Philosophical Investigation into Language and Thought

"A dynamic and global annual celebration of World Logic Day aims at fostering international cooperation, promoting the development of logic, in both research and teaching, supporting the activities of associations, universities and other institutions involved with logic, and enhancing public understanding of logic and its implications for science, technology and innovation. Furthermore, the celebration of World Logic Day can also contribute to the promotion of a culture of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, based on the advancement of education and science." - UNESCO

"Logic is ever-present: when you use AI software, when you turn on your computer, when you develop an argument. Logic is a contemporary universal. Yet despite being surrounded by logic, we remain quite unaware of its ubiquity. We often apply logic without knowing that we are doing so. Thus to draw attention to the importance of logic in the development of knowledge, UNESCO has proclaimed 14 January World Logic Day."

— Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO

2022 World Logic Day - An Event at Yuan Ze University

The development of formal logic can be traced back to the well-known mathematicians George Boole and Gottlob Frege at the end of the nineteenth century. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Alfred North Whitehead, Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein carried on the legacy of Frege’s work and opened up the future of formal logic. During the twentieth century, the area of formal logic went through a rapid development period. 

Motivation

In general education at the university level in Taiwan, we are trying to lead students to reflect on some philosophical-based questions in everyday life. The general education course Language and Thought which is the core of contemporary philosophy and logic is such a course that lies in the intersections of mind and reality in the nutshell.  On November 19th, 2021, we invited a Taiwanese philosopher to Yuan Ze University to talk about his life experiences and Wittgenstein’s philosophy to our students. It is surprising that students are attracted by Wittgenstein and this philosopher’s insights, especially his cross-cultural perspective on contemporary philosophy. In fact, we are probably epxeriencing a so-called Wittgensteinian transition between his Tractatus and Philosophical Investigation when we are teaching general education contemporary philosophy courses for many students without motivation of studying the hardcore of philosophy. Wittgenstein's later philosophy seems to be more attractive for most college students at Yuan Ze University. This triggers us to organize this student event to celebrate the World Logic Day Taiwan Event, aiming to promote students to share their philosophical insights on language and thought. Yet, what about "logic" per se?

Objectives & Themes

Besides our invited speakers from Taiwan and the Czech Republic, Yuan Ze University and National Yangming Jiaotong University students from different cultural backgrounds will present their research posters, papers, and musical performance about Wittgenstein’s thoughts in the program. We believe that an international event can benefit participants and broaden their visions in the mutual relationships about language, logic, and human minds. 

We arrnage a subtitle for this event “Starting from Tractatus 101 - A Taiwanese Philosophical Investigation into Language and Thought” because we want to celebrate the Tractatus centennial on behalf of Taiwanese philosophical investigation into contemporary philosophy, where the 101 represents the most important landmark of Taipei City in Taiwan. This event is designed both for teachers and students to achieve an open environment in discussing between students and teachers as well as encourage students in reflecting and applying practical philosophy in their researches, studies, and future careers.  

Time & Venue 

Date:  January 10, 2022 (GMT+8).

Planned Length: 1 day (09:00 - 17:00)

Location: Milkyway Books, Yuan Ze University.

Submission Guidelines

Interested participants could send their abstracts to philosophyco2021@gmail.com. 

All submissions will receive the confirmation of reception. The notification of the program will be announced and sent to each author individually via the email that the participant registers.

Co-organizers

Asst. Prof. Dr. Tzu-Keng Fu, College of General Studies, Yuan Ze University, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Jasmine Pham, English Bachelor of Strategic Communication, Yuan Ze University, Taiwan (R.O.C)