more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 5775

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 2. Denoting]

Full Idea

If we say 'Scott is the author of Waverley', we assert an identity of denotation with a difference of meaning.

Clarification

'Denotation' is the same as reference

Gist of Idea

In 'Scott is the author of Waverley', denotation is identical, but meaning is different

Source

Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905], p.46)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Logic and Knowledge', ed/tr. Marsh,Robert Charles [Routledge 1956], p.46


A Reaction

This shows Russell picking up Frege's famous distinction, as shown in 'Hesperus is Phosphorus'. To distinguish the meaning from the reference was one of the greatest (and simplest) clarifications ever offered of how language works.