Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Stephen Mumford, Peter Simons and David Kaplan

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2 ideas

5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / a. Names

12876	Philosophy is stuck on the Fregean view that an individual is anything with a proper name [Simons]
	Full Idea: Modern philosophy is still under the spell of Frege's view that an individual is anything that has a proper name. (Note: But not only are empty names now recognised, but some are aware of the existence of plural reference).
	From: Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 8.1)
	A reaction: Presumably every electron in the universe is an individual, and every (finite) number which has never been named has a pretty clear identity. Presumably Pegasus, John Doe, and 'the person in the kitchen' have to be accommodated.

5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 2. Descriptions / c. Theory of definite descriptions

11989	For Russell, expressions dependent on contingent circumstances must be eliminated [Kaplan]
	Full Idea: It is a tenet of Russell's theory that all expressions, and especially definite descriptions, whose denotation is dependent upon contingent circumstances must be eliminated.
	From: David Kaplan (How to Russell a Frege-Church [1975], II)