This is a guide to the thought and ideas of Gottlob Frege, one of the most important but also perplexing figures in the history of analytic philosophy. Gottlob Frege is regarded as one of the founders of modern logic and analytic philosophy, indeed as the greatest innovator in logic since Aristotle. His groundbreaking work identified many of the basic conceptions and distinctions that later came to dominate analytic philosophy. The literature on him is legion and ever-growing in complexity, representing a considerable challenge to the non-expert. The details of his logic, which have come into focus in recent research, are particularly difficult to grasp, although they are crucial to the development of his grand project, the reduction of arithmetic to logic, and the associated philosophical innovations. This book offers a lucid and accessible introduction to Frege's logic, taking the reader directly to the core of his philosophy, and ultimately to some of the most pertinent issues in contemporary philosophy of language, logic, mathematics, and the mind. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.
A guide to the thought and ideas of Gottlob Frege, one of the most important but also perplexing figures in the history of analytic philosophy.About the AuthorEdward Kanterian is lecturer in philosophy at the University of Oxford, and the author of Analytic Philosophy (2004) and Wittgenstein (2007).
Reviews'This is a splendid book. In a lucid and leisurely style it explains the ideas of the greatest logician since Leibniz and a seminal figure in the growth both of analytical philosophy and of its continental rivals. The author shirks no difficulties. He provides the first book-length elucidation of Frege's original logical notation. He thoroughly explores such ideas as the function-argument and the sense-reference distinction, judiciously discriminating between what we should retain and what we should discard. He sheds a bright light into the darkest recesses of Frege's intricate thought.' -- Michael Inwood, Professor Emeritus, Trinity College, University of Oxford, UK
Book InformationISBN 9780826487643
Author Dr Edward KanterianFormat Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Continuum Publishing CorporationPublisher Continuum Publishing Corporation
Weight(grams) 1326g