Second-order predicate

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In mathematical logic, a second-order predicate is a predicate that takes a first-order predicate as an argument. [1] Compare higher-order predicate.

The idea of second order predication was introduced by the German mathematician and philosopher Frege. It is based on his idea that a predicate such as "is a philosopher" designates a concept, rather than an object. [2] Sometimes a concept can itself be the subject of a proposition, such as in "There are no Bosnian philosophers". In this case, we are not saying anything of any Bosnian philosophers, but of the concept "is a Bosnian philosopher" that it is not satisfied. Thus the predicate "is not satisfied" attributes something to the concept "is a Bosnian philosopher", and is thus a second-level predicate.

This idea is the basis of Frege's theory of number. [3]

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References

  1. Yaqub, Aladdin M. (2013), An Introduction to Logical Theory, Broadview Press, p. 288, ISBN   9781551119939 .
  2. Oppy, Graham (2007), Ontological Arguments and Belief in God, Cambridge University Press, p. 145, ISBN   9780521039000 .
  3. Kremer, Michael (1985), "Frege's theory of number and the distinction between function and object", Philosophical Studies, 47 (3): 313–323, doi:10.1007/BF00355206, MR   0788101 .