Statement and Inference

"Statement and Inference" serves as the definitive collection of the logical and epistemological inquiries of John Cook Wilson, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century British philosophy. This first volume offers a profound exploration into the nature of judgment, the structure of thought, and the mechanics of human reasoning. Wilson presents a rigorous defense of what would become known as "Oxford Realism," emphasizing the objectivity of knowledge and the essential distinction between knowing and merely believing.

The work meticulously examines the relationship between language and logic, dissecting how statements are formed and how valid inferences are drawn. By challenging the idealistic and psychological trends of his era, Wilson refocuses the study of logic on the direct apprehension of reality. He provides detailed analyses of the syllogism, the nature of evidence, and the categorical frameworks that underpin our understanding of the world.

As a foundational text in the history of analytic philosophy, "Statement and Inference" remains a vital resource for scholars and students interested in the evolution of modern logic. Wilson's commitment to precision and his influential views on the philosophy of mind and perception make this volume an enduring contribution to the study of epistemology and the formal structures of thought.

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