Does the choice of a modern formal logic influence the interpretation of Aristotle’s syllogistic? A study of Kurt Ebbinghaus’ answer

Résumé En

In 1964, Ebbinghaus published Ein formales Modell der Syllogistik des Aristoteles in which he provides a formalization of Aristotle’s assertoric syllogistic using the Operationist logic of Lorenzen (1955). My main focus will be on the methodological considerations Ebbinghaus develops throughout his study: he was very self-conscious of his role as interpreter of Aristotle’s logic and was well aware of the fact that, when developing a formal reconstruction of Aristotle’s syllogistic, the choice of logical framework, such as the Operationist logic, was taking a stance in the contemporary debate on the foundations of logic, de facto arguing in favor of the chosen framework. In this regard, Ebbinghaus considered his formal reconstruction as a way of better understanding Aristotle’s logic and as defending Lorenzen’s Operationist logic. By focusing on Ebbinghaus’ study, I wish to question how much modern formal logics influence the interpretation of an ancient logic, and, in this case, of Aristotle’s assertoric syllogistic.ReferencesEbbinghaus, Kurt (1964). Ein formales Modell der Syllogistik des Aristoteles. Vol. 9. Hypomnemata, Untersuchungen zur Antike und zu ihrem Nachleben. Göttingen, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.Lorenzen, Paul (1955). Einführung in die operative Logik und Mathematik. Berlin: Springer.