Full Idea
When we ascribe an attribute to a thing, we covertly assert that it exists.
Gist of Idea
When we ascribe an attribute to a thing, we covertly assert that it exists
Source
A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.1)
Book Reference
Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.58
A Reaction
This is an unsurprising endorsement from logical positivism that Kant's claim that the ontological argument is probably tautological is correct. We could of course say "Imagine a non-existent being with dirty toenails".