Richard Sylvan

Bio: Richard Sylvan is an academic researcher from Australian National University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Relevance logic & Classical logic. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 18 publications receiving 452 citations. Previous affiliations of Richard Sylvan include University of Western Australia.

Metaphysics and Morality: Essays in Honour of J.J.C. Smart

Abstract: Smart and the secondary qualities, Professor D.M.Armstrong laws coincidences and relations between universals, Dr L.J.Cohen the ontology of scientific realism, Professor Brian Ellis why moral language?, Professor R.M.Hare group morality, Professor Frank Jackson the singularly affecting facts of causation, Dr D.H.Mellor the diversity of the sciences, Professor Hilary Putnam life's uncertain voyage, Professor Peter Singer replies, Professor J.J.C.Smart.

On the Ternary Relation and Conditionality

Abstract: One of the most dominant approaches to semantics for relevant (and many paraconsistent) logics is the Routley–Meyer semantics involving a ternary relation on points. To some (many?), this ternary relation has seemed like a technical trick devoid of an intuitively appealing philosophical story that connects it up with conditionality in general. In this paper, we respond to this worry by providing three different philosophical accounts of the ternary relation that correspond to three conceptions of conditionality. We close by briefly discussing a general conception of conditionality that may unify the three given conceptions.

Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics. By L. Wittgenstein. Edited by G. H. Von Wright, R. Rhees and G. E. M. Anscombe. Translated by G. E. M. Anscombe. Pp. 400. 37s. 6d. 1956. (Basil Blackwell, Oxford)

Abstract: Wittgenstein's work remains, undeniably, now, that off one of those few philosophers who will be read by all future generations.

From an animal's point of view: Motivation, fitness, and animal welfare.

Abstract: To study animal welfare empirically we need an objective basis for deciding when an animal is suffering. Suffering includes a wide range ofunpleasant emotional states such as fear, boredom, pain, and hunger. Suffering has evolved as a mechanism for avoiding sources ofdanger and threats to fitness. Captive animals often suffer in situations in which they are prevented from doing something that they are highly motivated to do. The “price” an animal is prepared to pay to attain or to escape a situation is an index ofhow the animal “feels” about that situation. Withholding conditions or commodities for which an animal shows “inelastic demand” (i.e., for which it continues to work despite increasing costs) is very likely to cause suffering. In designing environments for animals in zoos, farms, and laboratories, priority should be given to features for which animals show inelastic demand. The care ofanimals can thereby be based on an objective, animal-centered assessment of their needs.

An Introduction to Substructural Logics

Abstract: This book introduces an important group of logics that have come to be known under the umbrella term 'susbstructural'. Substructural logics have independently led to significant developments in philosophy, computing and linguistics. An Introduction to Substrucural Logics is the first book to systematically survey the new results and the significant impact that this class of logics has had on a wide range of fields.The following topics are covered: * Proof Theory * Propositional Structures * Frames * Decidability * Coda Both students and professors of philosophy, computing, linguistics, and mathematics will find this to be an important addition to their reading.

Doubt truth to be a liar

Abstract: I TRUTH 1 Aristotle on the Law of Non-Contradiction 2 Theories of Truth 3 Trivialism II NEGATION 4 Contradiction 5 Boolean Negation 6 Denial and Rejection III RATIONALITY 7 Rational Belief 8 Belief Revision 9 Consistency and the Empirical Sciences IV LOGIC 10 Logic and Revisability 11 Validity 12 Logical Pluralism