Researchdeontic logicformal logicnormative ethics
Mally Introduces First Formal Deontic System
5.1
In 1926, Ernst Mally proposed the first formal deontic logic in The Basic Laws of Ought, presenting a propositional calculus extended with a unary obligation connective (!) and binary operators (f, ∞) plus five deontic axioms. The system yields controversial consequences—most notably 'A is obligatory iff A is the case'—which critics like Menger rejected; the article analyzes Mally’s terminology, axioms, and possible formal repairs.
Key Points
- 1Describes Mally's 1926 propositional deontic system with connective !, binary f and ∞, and five axioms
- 2Highlights problematic theorem equating obligation with truth rejected by Menger and most later logicians
- 3Suggests formal repairs and clarifications to preserve deontic consequentiality while avoiding trivializing obligations
Scoring Rationale
Moderate scholarly analysis with concrete repair proposals, limited by niche scope and modest novelty impact.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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