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logicism

logicism

1 9.9
The idea that all mathematics comes from pure logic
  • noun
  • /ˈlɒdʒɪsɪzəm/
  • Specialized
: logicismo
  • Philosophers often debate the implications of logicism in relation to mathematical foundations.

Examples

  • The theory of logicism holds that all of mathematics can be derived from logical principles.

  • The last stage of Russell's development, his full commitment to atomism and eventually logicism, is the one that least maps onto Eliot's intellectual trajectory, precisely because of Russell's presence in Eliot's life.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Many mathematicians believe that logicism provides a solid basis for understanding mathematical truths.

Surface Forms

logicism singular
logicisms plural

Morphology

logicism = logic (semi-transparent) = logic + ism

The formation 'logic' + '-ism' straightforwardly denotes a doctrine or school relating to logic.

Etymology

The word logicism comes from logic, from the Greek logos meaning 'reason' or 'word', and the ending -ism, which means 'a belief' or 'a system'. So logicism is the idea or 'belief' that all of mathematics can be built from pure logical rules, which is why philosophers use the word for the view that math comes from logic.