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Single Idea 6333

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

Full Idea

Russell's theory of definite descriptions reduces the definite article 'the' to the notions of predicate logic - specifically, 'some', 'every', and 'same as'.

Gist of Idea

The theory of definite descriptions reduces the definite article 'the' to the concepts of predicate logic

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Paul Horwich - Truth (2nd edn) Ch.2.7

Book Ref

Horwich,Paul: 'Truth (2nd edn)' [OUP 1998], p.34

A Reaction

This helpfully clarifies Russell's project - to find the logical form of every sentence, expressed in terms which are strictly defined and consistent. This huge project now looks rather too optimistic. Artificial Intelligence would love to complete it.

The 25 ideas with the same theme [rewriting of descriptive terms to show underlying logic]:

7310 Russell avoids non-existent objects by denying that definite descriptions are proper names [Russell, by Miller,A]
12006 Denying definite description sentences are subject-predicate in form blocks two big problems [Russell, by Forbes,G]
4569 Russell says apparent referring expressions are really assertions about properties [Russell, by Cooper,DE]
11009 Russell's theory must be wrong if it says all statements about non-existents are false [Read on Russell]
21549 The theory of descriptions lacks conventions for the scope of quantifiers [Lackey on Russell]
12796 Non-count descriptions don't threaten Russell's theory, which is only about singulars [Laycock on Russell]
7532 Denoting is crucial in Russell's account of mathematics, for identifying classes [Russell, by Monk]
11988 Russell's analysis means molecular sentences are ambiguous over the scope of the description [Kaplan on Russell]
1608 The theory of descriptions eliminates the name of the entity whose existence was presupposed [Russell, by Quine]
7754 Russell's theory explains non-existents, negative existentials, identity problems, and substitutivity [Russell, by Lycan]
21529 Russell showed how to define 'the', and thereby reduce the ontology of logic [Russell, by Lackey]
6333 The theory of definite descriptions reduces the definite article 'the' to the concepts of predicate logic [Russell, by Horwich]
6412 Russell implies that 'the baby is crying' is only true if the baby is unique [Grayling on Russell]
7743 Russell explained descriptions with quantifiers, where Frege treated them as names [Russell, by McCullogh]
1611 Names can be converted to descriptions, and Russell showed how to eliminate those [Quine]
6413 'The present King of France is bald' presupposes existence, rather than stating it [Strawson,P, by Grayling]
8354 Russell asks when 'The King of France is wise' would be a true assertion [Strawson,P]
4568 If 'Queen of England' does not refer if there is no queen, its meaning can't refer if there is one [Cooper,DE]
11989 For Russell, expressions dependent on contingent circumstances must be eliminated [Kaplan]
13815 Names do not have scope problems (e.g. in placing negation), but Russell's account does have that problem [Bostock]
15157 Recognising the definite description 'the man' as a quantifier phrase, not a singular term, is a real insight [Soames]
4098 The theory of descriptions supports internalism, since they are thinkable when the object is non-existent [Crane]
7697 On Russell's analysis, the sentence "The winged horse has wings" comes out as false [Jacquette]
21727 Definite descriptions theory eliminates the King of France, but not the Queen of England [Linsky,B]
18947 Definites descriptions don't solve the empty names problem, because the properties may not exist [Sawyer]