Single Idea 14458

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

Full Idea

When we ask whether Homer existed, we are using the word 'Homer' as an abbreviated description.

Gist of Idea

Asking 'Did Homer exist?' is employing an abbreviated description

Source

Bertrand Russell (Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy [1919], XVI)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy' [George Allen and Unwin 1975], p.179


A Reaction

It is hard to disagree with Russell over this rather unusual example. It doesn't seem so plausible when Ottiline refers to 'Bertie'.