Process Logic
Process logic postulates the principle of universal contradiction (every existing entity / true statement implies
its opposite) and the local principle of no contradiction (opposites do not coexist at the same time, in the same
place, and in the same regard). This combines Hegel's dialectic principle with Aristotle's local formulation of
no-contradiction.
- The logic of reasoning is founded upon, and must be consciously modeled on the logic of
nature. Process logic is a project to develop a scientific logic that is both
- mathematical and psychophysiological, and
- encompasses the three basic principles of the original formulation of Logos by Heraclitus:
change,
- coexisting opposites, and
- heuristic role in the generation of new knowledge.
In contradistinction, logic, from the Middle Ages to modern mathematical logic, focuses on invariance (A = A),
the mutual exclusion of opposites (principle of no-contradiction) and tautological certainty. By focusing exclusively
on permanence, static logic distorts reality and deters progress. By excluding opposites, it promotes one-sided
views of reality; on the other hand, formulations that stress the union of opposites as either harmony or conflict
likewise deform reality and deter creativity. By considering only deductive certainty, such logic fails to portray
the exploratory nature and creativity of rational thinking.
Mathematical formulation relates this project to Boole and computer science. Psychological foundation relates
it to Piaget's tenet that epistemology must be based on neurophysiology, not on empty speculation or pure physics.
Science requires a non-reductionist logic that includes both mathematics and psychophysiology. The logical organization
of the brain provides significant principles to logic itself.
The process approach and the union of opposites connect this project for a process logic to ancient Greek physiology
and Taoism, to 19th century dialectics (Hegel, Marx, Engels) and pragmatism (Pierce, James) and to a few modern
attempts to develop a mathematical dialectics. Temporal logic ignores and process metaphysics ignore the union
of opposites.
Publications on process logic:
Sabelli H. Mathematical Dialectics, Scientific Logic and the Psychoanalysis of Thinking In Hegel and the
Sciences, Edited by R.S. Cohen and M.W. Wartofsky. New York: D. Reidel Publishing Co., 1984:349-359.
Union of Opposites: A Comprehensive Theory of Natural and Human Processes. By H. Sabelli. Lawrenceville,
VA: Brunswick Publishing, 1989.
Sabelli, H. Non-linear dynamics as a dialectic logic. Proc. International Systems Society p 101- 112,
1995.
Sabelli, H. and Carlson-Sabelli, L. (1996). As simple as one, two, three. Arithmetic: a simple, powerful, natural
and dynamic logic. Proc. International Systems Society. 40th meeting, Louisville, Kentucky, July 14-19.
Edited by M. L. W. Hall. Sustainable Peace in the World System, and the Next Evolution of Human Consciousness.
pp 543-554.
Sabelli, H. The Union of Opposites: from Taoism to Process Theory. Systems research 15: 429-441, 1998.
None of these articles include the mathematical model for process logic being developed on the bases of the
process equation.
Prepared by Hector Sabelli
Date: August 1999
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