Single Idea 8484

[catalogued under 19. Language / D. Propositions / 4. Mental Propositions]

Full Idea

If we can say 'there exists a p such that John believes p and Barbara believes p', logical forms such as this are cited as evidence for our ontological commitment to propositions.

Gist of Idea

If two people believe the same proposition, this implies the existence of propositions

Source

Alex Orenstein (W.V. Quine [2002], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Orenstein,Alex: 'W.V. Quine' [Princeton 2002], p.171


A Reaction

Opponents of propositions (such as Quine) will, of course, attempt to revise the logical form to eliminate the quantification over propositions. See Orenstein's outline on p.171.