Single Idea 3750

[catalogued under 3. Truth / H. Deflationary Truth / 1. Redundant Truth]

Full Idea

It is evident that "It is true that Caesar was murdered" means no more than that Caesar was murdered.

Gist of Idea

"It is true that x" means no more than x

Source

Frank P. Ramsey (Facts and Propositions [1927])

Book Reference

'Truth', ed/tr. Pitcher,George [Prentice-Hall 1964], p.16


A Reaction

At the very least, saying it is true adds emphasis. One sentence is about Caesar, the other about a proposal concerning Caesar, so they can't quite be the same. Note Frege's priority in making this suggestion.

Related Ideas

Idea 19468 The property of truth in 'It is true that I smell violets' adds nothing to 'I smell violets' [Frege]

Idea 21640 'It's true that Fido is a dog' conjures up a contrast class, of 'it's false' or 'it's unlikely' [Hofweber]

Idea 14176 "The death of Caesar is true" is not the same proposition as "Caesar died" [Russell]