ckaun%aids-unix@sri-unix.UUCP (02/24/84)
From: Carl Kaun <ckaun@aids-unix> I hope that Charlie Crummer will share some of the substance he finds in "Laws of Form" with us (ref AIList Digest V2 #20). I myself am more in the group that does not understand what LoF has to say that is new, and indeed doubt that it does say anything unique.
crummer%AEROSPACE@sri-unix.UUCP (03/04/84)
From: Charlie Crummer <crummer@AEROSPACE> I don't pretend to be an expert on LoF but I think there are at least two interesting aspects to it. One is that it provides a calculus that can be used to "compile" a set of syllogisms (page 124 of the Dutton 1979 edition). A second is that it does away with Russell and Whitehead's cumbersome Theory of Types. All orders of self-referential sets of statements can be evaluated within the set of "imaginary" values. You can argue that the compilation of syllogism sets (rule sets) can already be done using truth tables. I think that the benefit of Spencer-Brown's calculus is that it is much more efficient and should run much faster. Those who are really interested should loosen up and plow through the book a few times with an open mind. It is really very thought-provoking. --Charlie