Single Idea 4569

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 2. Descriptions / c. Theory of definite descriptions]

Full Idea

Russell's theory says that sentences which apparently serve to refer to particulars are really assertions about properties.

Gist of Idea

Russell says apparent referring expressions are really assertions about properties

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by David E. Cooper - Philosophy and the Nature of Language §4.1

Book Reference

Cooper,David E.: 'Philosophy and the Nature of Language' [Longman 1979], p.75


A Reaction

Right. Which is why particulars get marginalised in Russell, and universals take centre stage. I can't help suspecting that talk of de re/de dicto reference handles this problem better.