Single Idea 7757

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / d. Singular terms]

Full Idea

Though someone just beginning to learn English might take it as one, "nobody" is not a singular term, but a quantifier.

Gist of Idea

"Nobody" is not a singular term, but a quantifier

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by William Lycan - Philosophy of Language Ch.1

Book Reference

Lycan,William G.: 'Philosophy of Language' [Routledge 2000], p.17


A Reaction

If someone replies to "nobody's there" with "show him to me!", presumably it IS a singular term - just one that doesn't work very well. If you want to get on in life, treat it as a quantifier; if you just want to have fun...