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Single Idea 15783

[from 'works' by Willard Quine, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 4. Impossible objects ]

Full Idea

Meinong characteristically refers to his Objects using definite descriptions, such as 'the golden mountain'. But on his view there are many golden mountains, with different features. How can 'the golden mountain' then succeed in denoting a single Object?

Gist of Idea

Definite descriptions can't unambiguously pick out an object which doesn't exist

Source

comment on Willard Quine (works [1961]) by William Lycan - The Trouble with Possible Worlds 01

Book Reference

'The Possible and the Actual', ed/tr. Loux,Michael J. [Cornell 1979], p.277


A Reaction

Use of definite descriptions doesn't seem obligatory in this situation. 'Think of a golden mountain' - 'which one?' - 'never mind which one!'.