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Single Idea 15201

[from 'Changes in Events and Changes in Things' by Arthur N. Prior, in 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 8. Facts / b. Types of fact ]

Full Idea

The fact that Queen Anne has been dead for some years is not, in the strict sense of 'about', a fact about Queen Anne; it is not a fact about anyone or anything - it is a general fact.

Gist of Idea

That Queen Anne is dead is a 'general fact', not a fact about Queen Anne

Source

Arthur N. Prior (Changes in Events and Changes in Things [1968], p.13), quoted by Robin Le Poidevin - Past, Present and Future of Debate about Tense 1 b

Book Reference

'Questions of Time and Tense', ed/tr. Le Poidevin,R [OUP 2002], p.21


A Reaction

He distinguishes 'general facts' (states of affairs, I think) from 'individual facts', involving some specific object. General facts seem to be what are expressed by negative existential truths, such as 'there is no Loch Ness Monster'. Useful.