Semantics, Pragmatics, and Logic in Communication
Semantics and Pragmatics in Communication
Semantic dimension refers to the relations of signs to their corresponding meanings. To convey the desired message, it is not enough to put words in proper order; it is also necessary to choose the right words, as the meaning is shared.
Pragmatic dimension concerns the relationship established between signs and users of such signs. The pragmatic dimension is constituted by the intention of the speakers and the context in which communication occurs.
Logic: The Science of Reasoning
Logic is a science that seeks to explore the validity of reasoning. Reasoning is a mental process that goes from premises to a conclusion. An argument may be valid and, in turn, not true. Logic, as any science, requires a language to express itself, called formal language.
Variables and Constants in Logic
- Variable Symbols: p, q, r, s, t, … These supersede or symbolize one of the simple (atomic) statements (or propositions) that make up the reasoning.
- Constants:
- Conjunction (^): And, but
- Disjunction (v): Or, or… either
- Conditional: If… then
- Biconditional: If and only if
- Negation (¬): No (…)
Auxiliary Symbols and Truth Tables
Auxiliary Symbols: {…….} [….] and formation rules should always be the connective between variables, except for the negation – never a connective form before the expression.
The auxiliary symbols are used to establish relationships between tables that set forth the truth. In order to verify the validity of the statements, we have to use the material, i.e., what these statements say. If what the statement says corresponds to reality, it is true; if not, it is false. In arguments, to prove their validity or not, we need to check that the premises will necessarily lead to a conclusion.
Semantics and Pragmatics in Communication
Semantic dimension refers to the relations of signs to their corresponding meanings. To convey the desired message, it is not enough to put words in proper order; it is also necessary to choose the right words, as the meaning is shared.
Pragmatic dimension concerns the relationship established between signs and users of such signs. The pragmatic dimension is constituted by the intention of the speakers and the context in which communication occurs.
Logic: The Science of Reasoning
Logic is a science that seeks to explore the validity of reasoning. Reasoning is a mental process that goes from premises to a conclusion. An argument may be valid and, in turn, not true. Logic, as any science, requires a language to express itself, called formal language.
Variables and Constants in Logic
- Variable Symbols: p, q, r, s, t, … These supersede or symbolize one of the simple (atomic) statements (or propositions) that make up the reasoning.
- Constants:
- Conjunction (^): And, but
- Disjunction (v): Or, or… either
- Conditional: If… then
- Biconditional: If and only if
- Negation (¬): No (…)
Auxiliary Symbols and Truth Tables
Auxiliary Symbols: {…….} [….] and formation rules should always be the connective between variables, except for the negation – never a connective form before the expression.
The auxiliary symbols are used to establish relationships between tables that set forth the truth. In order to verify the validity of the statements, we have to use the material, i.e., what these statements say. If what the statement says corresponds to reality, it is true; if not, it is false. In arguments, to prove their validity or not, we need to check that the premises will necessarily lead to a conclusion.