[FOM] "Literal"
mario
chiari.hm at flashnet.it
Mon Sep 11 18:28:29 EDT 2006
Hi,
I checked the Oxford Dictionary (multiple volumes edition).
Its `Literal` entry is itemized as follows:
A: adj.
1.a: Of or pertaining to letter of the alphabet [...]
1.b: Of a misprint [...]
1.c Of mathematical notation and computation: Performed by means of
letters. Of a quantity, an equation, etc.: Denoted or expressed by a
letter or letters. Opposed to numerical.
2. [...] Representing the very words of the original; verbally exact
3. Theol. [... long]
[...]
B. sb.
1. A literal interpretation or meaning.
2. A misprint of a letter.
If Quine was acquainted with A.1.c, maybe he thought he could offer it
as grounds for his own usage. The Ox. Dic. traces A.1.c usage back to
the late XVII century (`numerical and literal algebra`).
my best wishes
mario
On Sat, 2006-09-09 at 14:31 -0500, Charles Silver wrote:
.....
> Charlie
> P.S. It's odd, isn't it, that such a wordsmith as Quine would use
> the term "literal". I don't get it.
--
mario <chiari.hm at flashnet.it>
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