Abstract
Our colloquial (natural) language is, scientifically seen, imprecise and our thoughts expressed in it are usually multi-vocal. For this reason, our colloquial language is unsuited for the precise formulation of scientific theories. Also, we see different scientific disciplines all using their own specialized languages. These specialized languages distinguish themselves from the natural languages by their greater conceptual precision and, more often than not, by their significant curtailment of the colloquial field to which they specifically relate.
-τοϋ μέν ούν μονίμον και βιβαιον καί μετά νοϋ καταøανοϋς μονϊμονς καί άμεταπτώτονς καθ’ όσον τε άνελεγτοις προσήκει λσγοις είναι καί ακωήτοις, τοϋτον δεϊ μηδέν έλλείπειν τούς δέ τοϋ πρός μέν έκεϊνο απεικασθέντος...
Plato, Timaios 29b
[The statements regarding the abiding and the indubitable and regarding that which admits of theoretical reflection, should be constant and unchangeable, even as much as possible irrefutable and solid, and, in this respect, should not let anything be lacking...]
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Kuyk, W. (1977). Semantical and Syntactical Aspects of Elementary Mathematical Theories. In: Complementarity in Mathematics. Mathematics and Its Applications, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-7624-6_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-7624-6_1
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