more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 1608

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

Full Idea

When a statement of being or non-being is analysed by Russell's theory of descriptions it ceases to contain any expression which even purports to name the alleged entity, so the being of such an entity is no longer presupposed.

Gist of Idea

The theory of descriptions eliminates the name of the entity whose existence was presupposed

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Willard Quine - On What There Is p.6

Book Reference

'Metaphysics - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 1999], p.6