Single Idea 12876

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / a. Names]

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).

Gist of Idea

Philosophy is stuck on the Fregean view that an individual is anything with a proper name

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 8.1)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.290


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.