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Single Idea 6333

[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 of definite descriptions reduces the definite article 'the' to the notions of predicate logic - specifically, 'some', 'every', and 'same as'.

Gist of Idea

The theory of definite descriptions reduces the definite article 'the' to the concepts of predicate logic

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Paul Horwich - Truth (2nd edn) Ch.2.7

Book Reference

Horwich,Paul: 'Truth (2nd edn)' [OUP 1998], p.34


A Reaction

This helpfully clarifies Russell's project - to find the logical form of every sentence, expressed in terms which are strictly defined and consistent. This huge project now looks rather too optimistic. Artificial Intelligence would love to complete it.