more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 5777

[catalogued under 3. Truth / B. Truthmakers / 1. For Truthmakers]

Full Idea

I take it as evident that the truth or falsehood of a belief depends upon a fact to which the belief 'refers'.

Gist of Idea

The truth or falsehood of a belief depends upon a fact to which the belief 'refers'

Source

Bertrand Russell (On Propositions: What they are, and Meaning [1919], p.285)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Logic and Knowledge', ed/tr. Marsh,Robert Charles [Routledge 1956], p.285


A Reaction

A nice bold commitment to a controversial idea. The traditional objection is to ask how you are going to formulate the 'facts' except in terms of more beliefs, so you ending up comparing beliefs. Facts are a metaphysical commitment, not an acquaintance.