Single Idea 18940

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / e. Empty names]

Full Idea

Languages have the fault of containing expressions which fail to designate an object.

Gist of Idea

It is a weakness of natural languages to contain non-denoting names

Source

Gottlob Frege (On Sense and Reference [1892], p.40)

Book Reference

Frege,Gottlob: 'Translations from the Writings of Gottlob Frege', ed/tr. Geach,P/Black,M [Blackwell 1980], p.69


A Reaction

Wrong, Frege! This is a strength of natural languages! Names are tools. It isn't a failure of your hammer if you can't find any nails.

Related Idea

Idea 13777 A name is a sort of tool [Plato]