The concept of a statement varies significantly depending on the field of study. What might be considered a definitive definition in mathematics doesn’t necessarily hold true in other disciplines like philosophy, psychology, or rhetoric. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication and critical thinking. This article will delve into the meaning of a statement, particularly outside the realm of mathematics.
In philosophy, propositions are considered mental components, lacking physical attributes and inaccessible to our senses. We cannot see or hear a proposition directly. Instead, humans express these mental components through language to share ideas with others. Crucially, propositions themselves are not physical entities.
Outside of mathematics, a statement is any physical method of communication used to convey an idea to another person. This communication isn’t limited to verbal or written forms. It encompasses a broader range of expressions, some of which don’t convey anything that can be said to be true or false.
Consider a traffic sign signaling “STOP” or “Slow Down.” This is a statement. Similarly, someone pointing a loaded gun at you is making a statement through action. If the message is understood, the communication undoubtedly qualifies as a statement. However, even if the message isn’t understood, it doesn’t negate the existence of a statement.
Gestures can also convey powerful messages. Insulting someone through body language is a statement. The speaker doesn’t need to verbalize their thoughts for the gesture to communicate intent. A gorilla charging in a threatening manner is also making a clear statement.
Consider non-verbal communication, such as a mother expressing disapproval with a look. A disgusted expression conveys a statement even if she’s too far away to speak. Many of these examples do not focus on relaying information that is true or false. In mathematics, statements are often presented as either true or false. This article argues that this characterization of statements is overly limited in its scope. Not all statements require something to be true or false. There are also meaningless statements which are neither true nor false. However, all literally meaningful statements can be translated as declarative sentences. All propositions can also be expressed as declarative sentences. The similarity between the two, though, doesn’t mean they are identical.
In summary, a proposition is a mental concept or idea that’s expressed to hold a truth value of either true or false. Controversy will arise about what true or false means here. Scientists often think only in literal sense verification whereas a philosopher can understand what objective knowledge is. In science, if a unicorn cannot be presented, the claim “all unicorns are white” is considered false. Without sense verification, there is no truth. Objective knowledge does not rely on sense verification. One can objectively state “there is a God,” which by definition must be either true or false, even if the speaker is unaware of the truth value. This truth value is independent of individual awareness or senses. You are not likely to hear this in math as that is not the purpose. Hence why “all unicorns is white” is NOT FALSE. At best it is a meaningless statement. If so it would fail to be a proposition. Some statements are not propositions.
All literally meaningful statements can express propositions. If one says “Al is as tall as an Oak,” he either is literally as tall as the oak, or he is not. In either case, the requirements of a proposition and a literally meaningful statement are fulfilled.
Therefore, the nature of a statement depends heavily on the context. Recognizing the differences in how statements are used and interpreted across different disciplines is critical for clear communication and avoiding misunderstandings.
