propositional function

propositional function
The concept introduced by Frege of a function taking a number of names as arguments, and delivering one proposition as the value. The idea is that ‘ x loves y ’ is a propositional function, which yields the proposition ‘John loves Mary’ for those two arguments (in that order). A propositional function is therefore roughly equivalent to a property or relation. In Principia Mathematica, Russell and Whitehead take propositional functions to be the fundamental functions, since the theory of descriptions could be taken as showing that other expressions denoting functions are incomplete symbols.

Philosophy dictionary. . 2011.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • propositional function — n. Logic an expression containing at least one variable, that becomes a proposition when a constant is substituted for the variable (Ex.: x is a man) …   English World dictionary

  • propositional function — Logic. See sentential function. [1900 05] * * * Sentencelike expression that may be thought of as obtained from a sentence by substituting variables for constants occurring in the sentence. For example, x was a parent of y may be thought of as… …   Universalium

  • propositional function — noun 1. : sentential function 2. : something that is designated or expressed by a sentential function * * * Logic. See sentential function. [1900 05] * * * propositional function, 1. a combination of two or more propositions whose truth or… …   Useful english dictionary

  • propositional function — noun Date: 1903 1. sentential function 2. something that is designated or expressed by a sentential function …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • propositional function — proposi′tional func′tion n. pho sentential function • Etymology: 1900–05 …   From formal English to slang

  • propositional function — noun An expression containing algebraic symbols that serve to represent words or other elements of a sentence or proposition …   Wiktionary

  • Function (mathematics) — f(x) redirects here. For the band, see f(x) (band). Graph of example function, In mathematics, a function associates one quantity, the a …   Wikipedia

  • propositional — See proposition. * * * (as used in expressions) propositional attitude propositional calculus propositional function * * * …   Universalium

  • function — /fungk sheuhn/, n. 1. the kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role. 2. any ceremonious public or social gathering or occasion. 3. a factor related to or… …   Universalium

  • Propositional calculus — In mathematical logic, a propositional calculus or logic (also called sentential calculus or sentential logic) is a formal system in which formulas of a formal language may be interpreted as representing propositions. A system of inference rules… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”