I. Introduction II. Language theory i. Elements of language: The Origin of language; Definitions and scientific principles ii. The Propositional statement: Rationalist grammar theory; Alembert and the propositional statement iii. Conclusion III. Epistemology i. Analysis and synthesis ii. Rationalism iii. Empiricism iv. Conclusion IV. Aesthetics i. General aesthetic theory ii. Music iii. Translation iv. Stylistics v. Conclusion V. Implications i. The Retreat into the knowable ii. The Judgement of posterity Works consulted