more from Alfred Tarski

Single Idea 19188

[catalogued under 3. Truth / F. Semantic Truth / 1. Tarski's Truth / c. Meta-language for truth]

Full Idea

In a 'semantically closed' language all sentences which determine the adequate usage of 'true' can be asserted in the language. ...We can't change our logic, so we reject such languages. ...So must use two different languages to discuss truth.

Gist of Idea

We can't use a semantically closed language, or ditch our logic, so a meta-language is needed

Source

Alfred Tarski (The Semantic Conception of Truth [1944], 08-09)

Book Reference

'Semantics and the Philosophy of Language', ed/tr. Linsky,Leonard [University of Illinois 1972], p.20


A Reaction

This section explains why a meta-language is required. It rests entirely on the existence of the Liar paradox is a semantically closed language.