Single Idea 7310

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

Full Idea

Russell attempted to avoid Meinong's strategy (of saying 'The present King of France' refers to a 'non-existent object') by denying that definite descriptions are proper names.

Gist of Idea

Russell avoids non-existent objects by denying that definite descriptions are proper names

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Alexander Miller - Philosophy of Language 2.7

Book Reference

Miller,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Language' [UCL Press 1998], p.60


A Reaction

Russell claimed that there was a covert existence claim built into a definite description. What about descriptions in known counterfactual situations ('Queen of the Fairies')?