II
14. Grammar as (e.g.) the geometry of negation. We should like to say:
“Negation has the property that when it is doubled it yields an affirmation”
But that rule does not give a further description of negation, it constitutes
negation.
‘Similarly, a circle…. has the
property of being in such and such a position …. ; but it doesn’t have the
properties that geometry seems to ascribe to it (i.e. the ability to have other
properties).’
‘Likewise one
doesn’t have the property that when it is added to itself – it makes two.”
the concepts of
grammar – geometry – arithmetic – are not fixed
rules are not fixed
in all these cases –
we have forms of practise – yes
but underlying
practise – is uncertainty
so how we define
these practises – is always up for argument
yes you can have a
definitive definition of properties –
so be it
but there is no
logical basis for closing down the definition of property –
or for that matter
any concept
© greg t. charlton.
2014.
