| dc.description.abstract | This dissertation presents a reconstruction of John Venn s (1834-1923) logical theory
in Symbolic Logic (1881; 1894). In his work, Venn presents an algebra of logic, and faces a
number of philosophical problems underlying this symbolic logic. Firstly, Venn needs to
consider the relation between symbolic logic and traditional logic, i.e., Syllogistic. Secondly,
Venn needs to consider the relation between symbolic logic and Mathematics. In treating
these issues, Venn will have to reflect upon a number of philosophical notions concerning the
nature of symbolic knowledge. The objective of this dissertation is to present Venn s treatment
to the concept of symbolic knowledge. Throughout the research, it is shown that according to
Venn s point of view the algebra of logic is a formal generalization of Syllogistic. Such formal
generalization is possible due to the ecthetic function algebraic symbols perform in logical
representation. Furthermore, according to Venn, the logic represented by his algebraic
symbolism can be precisely differentiated from Mathematics. Such differencing is possible
due to the reflection upon the different modes in which algebraic symbolism performs the
subrogative function of symbolic knowledge. This dissertation achieves twofold results. On
the one hand, it achieves a historiographically important result, for it permits the
determination of the locus of Venn s work among the efforts of logical symbolization in the
Nineteenth century. On the other, it achieves a philosophical result insofar it permits, through
the analysis of a historical case, to clarify key-notions of symbolic knowledge. Venn is more
recognized for the creation of Venn diagrams than for his work in the algebra of logic,
however, Venn doesn t elaborate much any systematic reflection upon the nature of graphic
knowledge. Nevertheless, the research of Venn s work in the algebra of logic provides results
concerning the nature of Venn diagrams, which are here presented as a secondary issue. | |
