Single Idea 14617

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 4. Impossible objects]

Full Idea

Nothing can be predicated of something which does not exist.

Gist of Idea

Predicates can't apply to what doesn't exist

Source

Robert C. Stalnaker (Merely Possible Propositions [2010], p.28)

Book Reference

'Modality', ed/tr. Hale,B/Hoffman,A [OUP 2010], p.28


A Reaction

[He says he is 'agreeing with Plantinga' on this] This seems very puzzling, as you can obviously say that dragons do not exist, but they breathe fire. Why can't you attach predicates to hypothetical objects?