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Single Idea 11009

[from 'On Denoting' by Bertrand Russell, in 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 2. Descriptions / c. Theory of definite descriptions ]

Full Idea

Russell's theory makes an exciting distinction between logical and grammatical form, but any theory which says that every positive statement, without distinction, about objects which don't exist is false, has to be wrong.

Gist of Idea

Russell's theory must be wrong if it says all statements about non-existents are false

Source

comment on Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Stephen Read - Thinking About Logic Ch.5

Book Reference

Read,Stephen: 'Thinking About Logic' [OUP 1995], p.129