Mathematical Logic
In much formal work, authors use a definite description operator symbolized using . The operator is usually defined so as to reflect a Russellian analysis of descriptions (though other authors, especially in linguistics, use the operator with a Fregean semantics). Thus
- ,
means "the unique such that ", and
is stipulated to be equivalent to "There is exactly one and it has the property ":
Read more about this topic: Definite Description
Famous quotes containing the words mathematical and/or logic:
“All science requires mathematics. The knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us.... This is the easiest of sciences, a fact which is obvious in that no one’s brain rejects it; for laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.”
—Roger Bacon (c. 1214–c. 1294)
“seizing the swift logic of a woman,
Curse God and die.”
—Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869–1935)