Definitions

Logical fictions: Although this is a term which was used by Russell, I am applying it in a particular way, which may have some novelty. I hope that my use of the term in my article A Proposed Solution To The Problem Of Induction expresses its meaning sufficiently, but a couple of examples follow.

Language is a logic fiction, in that it communicates only because of the agreed significance of certain sounds, which have no real meaning save within that agreed mental framework of language.

In mathematics, the same holds true. The concept of number only "exists" as a mental entity, without reality outside the context of an agreed mental framework.

We do not acknowledge any problem of induction when it comes to proving the results of simple mathematical calculations. This is because we cannot conceive of anyone "testing" 1 + 1 = 2 until such a time as the sum might be found to equal some other result. This is said to be because mathematical calculation is tautological: 1 + 1 is just another way of saying 2. There is an identity between the numbers either side of the equals sign. It is my contention that we sometimes attempt to deal with reality in the same way when it comes to the assessment of a number of Events. We number the events observed on one side of the equals, leading to a created result on the other. But in fact, in all cases, we are dealing with a continuum and are always speaking of the same thing.

To use a metaphor, we might say that Reality has a Vector quality (it is one big event which has direction), which we are forced to examine in a Scalar manner (the limitations imposed by our human scale and mental grasp).

This is not to say that the analytical approach to reality is of no practical use, anymore than measurement is of no use. I am simply suggesting we should bear in mind that the analysis of reality into discrete events is an agreed logical fiction, just as measurement is, just as language itself is. Agreed logical fictions are very useful, so long as they are not mistaken for realities, and so long as they are not applied beyond the parameters of their purely human, mental, conceptual existence. Logical fictions are concerned with a human apprehension of the relations between things and not with the things themselves.

Although logical fictions have no reality (in the sense of physical existence) in and of themselves, they yet operate logically within their own agreed sphere of representation. They help us to control, manipulate, and gain knowledge from reality.

I do not mean to speak disparagingly of logical fictions, I merely propose that we better understand what they are.