Single Idea 6068

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 7. Unorthodox Quantification]

Full Idea

We could introduce an 'intentional quantifier' (Ix) which means 'some of the things we talk about..'; we could then say 'some of the things we talk about are F and exist' (Ix, x is F and x exists).

Gist of Idea

We need an Intentional Quantifier ("some of the things we talk about.."), so existence goes into the proposition

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.2)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.33


A Reaction

This immediately strikes me as a promising contribution to the analytical toolkit. McGinn is supporting his view that existence is a predicate, and so belongs inside the proposition, not outside.