Abstract

In contemporary historical studies Peano is usually linked to the logical tradition pioneered by Frege. In this paper I question this association. Specifically, I claim that Frege and Peano developed significantly different conceptions of a logical calculus. First, I clam that while Frege put the systematisation of the notion of inference at the forefront of his construction of an axiomatic logical system, Peano modelled his early logical systems as mathematical calculi and did not really attempt to justify reasoning. Second, I argue that in later works on logic Peano advanced towards a deductive approach that was closer to Frege’s standpoint.