more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 14111

[catalogued under 19. Language / D. Propositions / 5. Unity of Propositions]

Full Idea

A proposition is essentially a unity, and when analysis has destroyed the unity, no enumeration of constituents will restore the proposition.

Gist of Idea

A proposition is a unity, and analysis destroys it

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §054)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.50


A Reaction

The question of the 'unity of the proposition' led to a prolonged debate.