In particular, the idea that philosophy is a search for first principles was “a superstition from which we are freed by the abandonment of metaphysics.”Īccording to Logical Positivism, metaphysics is nonsense. This doctrine maintained that there are only two ways in which one can make meaningful statements: first by making statements which can be verified by observation second, by making ones which are true in virtue of the rules of language. Written with verve and enthusiasm, it gave a clear statement of Logical Positivism. Sir Alfred Ayer (Freddie to friends) achieved great success with his first book Language, Truth and Logic (1936). Ayer (1910-1989) Alistair MacFarlane considers the populariser of Logical Positivism. Ayer’s rejection of Metaphysics, offers an alternative perspective on how Metaphysics should be construed, given its centrality to, and in-eliminability in philosophical discourses.SUBSCRIBE NOW Articles A.J.
Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy (recommendation): The ratiocinative discussion of A. Instead, philosophy is seen as an activity of defining and clarifying the logical relationships of empirical propositions. In Ayer’s logical empiricism, philosophy is no longer seen as a metaphysical concern, nor as an attempt to provide speculative truths about the nature of ultimate reality. In it Ayer explains important positivist ideas, like the principle of verifiability as a criterion of meaning, the rejection of metaphysics, and the emotivist theory of ethics. His book Language, Truth, and Logic (1936) is one of the most influential philosophy books in the 20th century, addressing questions of reality, perception, knowledge and meaning. Methodology: The work is expository, analytic, critical and evaluative, in its methodology.įindings: Sir Alfred Julius Ayer was an English philosopher who developed key features of logical positivism. The conclusion will emphasize the relevance and irrefutability of metaphysics. Ayer’s positivist assumptions in order to discover whether the claims he makes regarding metaphysics are really valid or not. It shall explore the basic assumptions, content and concerns of the metaphysical enterprise, and place them in careful juxtaposition with A.J. Ayer against metaphysics, as reflected in the first chapter of his book, Language, Truth and Logic. Purpose: This paper aims at exposing and appraising the arguments of A.J. Assessment, metaphysics, ratiocinative, rejection.
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