more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 10057

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 1. Ontology of Logic]

Full Idea

No proposition of logic can assert 'existence' except under a hypothesis.

Gist of Idea

Logic can only assert hypothetical existence

Source

Bertrand Russell (Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy [1919], XVIII)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy' [George Allen and Unwin 1975], p.204


A Reaction

I am prepared to accept this view fairly dogmatically, though Musgrave shows some of the difficulties of the if-thenist view (depending on which 'order' of logic is being used).