more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 16481

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 2. Logical Connectives / e. or]

Full Idea

When we assert 'p or q' we are in a state which is derivative from two previous states, and we express this state, not something about the world.

Gist of Idea

'Or' expresses a mental state, not something about the world

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Inquiry into Meaning and Truth [1940], 5)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Inquiry into Meaning and Truth' [Penguin 1967], p.81


A Reaction

His example: at a junction this road or that road goes to Oxford, but the world only contains the roads, not some state of 'this or that road'. He doesn't deny that in one sense 'p or q' tells you something about the world.