Logic of relations

From the theoretical standpoint, an understanding of the logic of relations is essential in logic, in mathematics, and in dealing generally with problems of meaning. Logic may be conceived to be an interdisciplinary subject which performs an integrating function. It belongs to none of the established disciplines exclusively, but is useful to all of them. Relations are integrating concepts; they link together all of the traditionally separated areas of logic and philosophy, providing, through relational logic, a set of notions common to all parts of the subject. Thus it is not necessary to assume any special rules for categorical syllogisms, or for immediate inference, since they can all be derived (where they are valid) from more general relational ideas. The traditional distinction between categorical, hypothetical and disjunctive propositions may be dispensed with, since those types are interdefinable. Relational logical also shows how the meaning of a rigorously formalized language (of one theoretical system) may be understood, and how to compare systematically one such language with another.