Single Idea 11172

[catalogued under 19. Language / E. Analyticity / 2. Analytic Truths]

Full Idea

Strictly speaking it is irrelevant to the meaning of 'bachelor' that the phrase 'unmarried man' means what it does.

Gist of Idea

The meaning of 'bachelor' is irrelevant to the meaning of 'unmarried man'

Source

Kit Fine (Essence and Modality [1994], p.13)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Perspectives' [-], p.13


A Reaction

His point is that the necessary truth here derives from the meaning of 'bachelor', and not from the meaning of 'unmarried man'. But is also true that 'unmarried man' means 'bachelor' (for those familiar with the latter, but not the former).