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Single Idea 13813

[from 'Intermediate Logic' by David Bostock, in 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 2. Descriptions / b. Definite descriptions ]

Full Idea

It is natural to suppose one only uses a definite description when one believes it describes only one thing, but exceptions are 'there is no such thing as the greatest prime number', or saying something false where the reference doesn't occur.

Gist of Idea

Definite descriptions don't always pick out one thing, as in denials of existence, or errors

Source

David Bostock (Intermediate Logic [1997], 8.3)

Book Reference

Bostock,David: 'Intermediate Logic' [OUP 1997], p.342