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11101 | General terms don't commit us ontologically, but singular terms with substitution do [Quine] |
Full Idea: The use of general terms does not commit us to admitting a corresponding abstract entity into our ontology, but an abstract singular term, including the law of putting equals for equals, flatly commits us to an abstract entity named by the term. | |
From: Willard Quine (Identity, Ostension, and Hypostasis [1950], 4) | |
A reaction: Does this mean that in 'for the sake of the children', I have to believe in 'sakes' if I can find a synonym which will substitute for it? |