Single Idea 21546

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 6. Logical Analysis]

Full Idea

Whoever is afraid of symbols can hardly hope to acquire exact ideas where it is necessary to distinguish 1) the variable in itself as opposed to its value, 2) any value of the variable, 3) all values, 4) some value.

Gist of Idea

We can't sharply distinguish variables, domains and values, if symbols frighten us

Source

Bertrand Russell (Review: Meinong 'Untersuchungen zur..' [1905], p.84)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Essays in Analysis', ed/tr. Lackey,Douglas [George Braziller 1973], p.84


A Reaction

Not the best example, perhaps, of the need for precision, but a nice illustration of the new attitude Russell brought into philosophy.