Single Idea 23506

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / a. Names]

Full Idea

A name cannot be dissected any further by means of a definition: it is a primitive sign.

Gist of Idea

Names are primitive, and cannot be analysed

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 3.26)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.13


A Reaction

All logicians and analytic philosophers seem to agree on this. He means terms which pick out specific objects.