|
||
Definition:
The principle of bivalence states that every proposition must be either true or false.
Thus, when we have the proposition:
Paris is the capital of France.
...it must be either a true proposition or a false proposition. There are no other alternatives.
Although this may seem obvious at first glance, there are disagreements about it because some propositions, if either true or false, create problems. The easiest example of that would be propositions about future events. For example:
Tomorrow I will watch TV.
If that proposition is, today, true, then it would seem that I cannot freely choose not to watch TV. On the other hand, if it is, today, false, then it seems that I cannot freely choose to watch TV. Thus, if the principle of bivalence applies to all propositions, then free will cannot exist. But if we think that free will exists, then the principle of bivalence is not universally applicable.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
