David Graves

This book explores Wittgenstein’s unsettling remark in the Tractatus that the only necessity that exists is logical necessity. It suggests that the notion of necessity is a primitive notion, and, as such, both a requirement for human cognition and constitutive of rational thought. On this basis, the book then reexamines some of the perennial questions of philosophy including logic itself, beauty, law, truth and the concept of God. All of these topics are seen to be closely related to the notion of necessity. It is argued that if logical necessity!-- [if supportFields] XE "logical necessity"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]-- is the only necessity that exists, then Kant!-- [if supportFields] XE "Kant, Immanuel"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]--’s notion of the subjective!-- [if supportFields] XE "subjective"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]-- necessity of aesthetic judgments must be reconsidered. Likewise, metaphysical!-- [if supportFields] XE "metaphysical necessity"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]--, moral, and practical necessity must all be revised. Finally, a new dimension is added to the analysis. It is shown that the notion of logical necessity is human in its origin, and yet also absolute. This insight reopens the possibility of logical absolutism!-- [if supportFields] XE "absolutism"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]--, as opposed to the current, general consensus around logical relativism!-- [if supportFields] XE "relativism"![endif]--!-- [if supportFields]![endif]--. Moreover, it becomes possible to entertain a notion of logical absolutism without the problematic baggage of metaphysical and/or divine considerations. This new sense of logical absolutism facilitates a reconsideration of certain epistemological claims directly related to logical truths, for example, so-called analytical propositions. Logical Necessity and Rational Thought is essential reading for all scholars, researchers and advanced students of philosophical logic. It is also ideal for researchers of the thought of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

"Question: What do all works of art have in common? Answer: They are all products of a major cultural institution called "The Artworld." Question: Is this what makes them art? Answer: Yes. The New Institutional Theory of Art is a different kind of theory about art. The theory is capable of explaining how it is that a urinal offered up by Marcel Duchamp, and a statue of Moses offered up by Michelangelo, are both works of art, and under precisely the same terms. Together with this, the theory can also explain why it is that Michelangelo's work is magnificent, whereas Duchamp's is "interesting," at best. By focusing not on the works of art themselves, but rather upon the complex social-cultural context of their creation and presentation, the New Institutional Theory provides fresh, clear and powerful explanations of the very inner workings of Art, writ large. The artists, the public, the issues, the techniques, the bothers and the worries are all illuminated for the reader to gain true insight into the actual logic of Art. This book is intended for all readers, professionals and non-professionals alike."