Single Idea 17988

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 4. Substitutional Quantification]

Full Idea

The view that all quantification is substitutional is not very plausible in general. Some uses of quantifiers clearly seem to have the function to make a claim about a domain of objects out there, no matter how they relate to the terms in our language.

Gist of Idea

Quantification can't all be substitutional; some reference is obviously to objects

Source

Thomas Hofweber (Inexpressible Properties and Propositions [2006], 2.1)

Book Reference

'Oxford Studies in Metaphysics vol.2', ed/tr. Zimmerman,Dean W. [OUP 2006], p.163


A Reaction

Robust realists like myself are hardly going to say that quantification is just an internal language game.

Related Idea

Idea 13674 We might reduce ontology by using truth of sentences and terms, instead of using objects satisfying models [Shapiro]