Single Idea 6097

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 6. Judgement / b. Error]

Full Idea

It is very difficult to deal with the theory of error without assuming the existence of the non-existent.

Gist of Idea

The theory of error seems to need the existence of the non-existent

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Philosophy of Logical Atomism [1918], §IV.3)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Russell's Logical Atomism', ed/tr. Pears,David [Fontana 1972], p.81


A Reaction

This problem really bothered Russell (and Plato). I suspect that it was a self-inflicted problem because at this point Russell had ceased to believe in propositions. If we accept propositions as intentional objects, they can be as silly as you like.