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Syntax and semantics
1. Syntax and semantics
Syntax has to do with the alphabet, punctuation, grammar, etc.
Semantics has to do with meaning.
In messages that have been transmitted without corruption, one has the syntax which was implied (written, spoken, etc.). However, one must infer the meaning from the syntax. And this assumes that the syntax of the message has not been corrupted.
2. Bible
A text, such as the Bible has the following.
syntax (letters, words, grammar, etc.)
semantics (meaning)
One way to infer the meaning of a self-consistent work, such as the Bible, is to view it as a constraint logic system.
In practice, one adds other works in the same language to provide additional ways to infer the meaning of words.
3. Translation
The translation of text from one language into another language involves very subtle semantics. The true semantics may not even be known.
If messages are hidden in the text using, say, double meanings, etc., those additional messages may not be detected for a long time.
4. Approaches to meaning
Given a text with "
information".
What does it "say"? (syntax)
What does it "mean"? (semantics)
5. Syntax
What does it "
say"? (syntax).
Syntax has to do with letters, words, and grammar forming phrases, sentences, paragraphs, etc.
6. Hermeneutics
7. Semantics
8. Meaning and interpretation
9. Socrates
Socrates noted that language and words can reveal or conceal since messages can be delivered in an ambiguous way.
Aristotle deals with this in many of his works such as "
On sophistical refutations".
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Details are left as a future topic.
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10. Semantics of programming languages
On goal of programming language design is to create a syntax that is convenient for the programmer to use in specifying a desired computation, but also "context free" in that the underlying semantics of the programming language is both unambiguous to the programmer and to the compiler in generating code to effect the specified (and, hopefully, desired) computation.
11. General rule
Meaning has many levels and nuances. The exact meaning of a text is often somewhat unclear. In general, one should
explain what the text says, and
explain what the text appears to mean.
One should always include the larger context in which a text appears.
In answering questions, try to quote Bible text, in the appropriate context.
12. Hermes
The Roman god Mercury is the Greek god Hermes from the ancient Greek word
"Ἑρμῆς" ≈ "Hermes, Mercury" the messenger of the gods who is related to commerce, deception, etc. The modern Greek word
"Ερμής" (EHr-MEES) ≈ "Hermes, Mercury".
Hermes is considered the inventor of language and speech - as both an interpreter and a deceiver. Such language could lead to truths or to non-truths.
13. End of page
