Single Idea 9467

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 1. Quantification]

Full Idea

Wittgenstein reduces the universal quantifier to conjunctions of singular predications, and the existential quantifier to disjunctions of singular predications. ..This is nowadays understood as a failed effort.

Gist of Idea

Wittgenstein tried unsuccessfully to reduce quantifiers to conjunctions and disjunctions

Source

report of Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921]) by Dale Jacquette - Intro to III: Quantifiers p.143

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Logic: an anthology', ed/tr. Jacquette,Dale [Blackwell 2002], p.143


A Reaction

The problem this meets has something to do with infinite objects. In a domain of three objects it looks like a perfectly plausible strategy. 'All' is all three, and 'Some' is at least one of the three.