Single Idea 5776

[catalogued under 19. Language / D. Propositions / 1. Propositions]

Full Idea

A proposition may be defined as: what we believe when we believe truly or falsely.

Gist of Idea

A proposition is what we believe when we believe truly or falsely

Source

Bertrand Russell (On Propositions: What they are, and Meaning [1919], p.285)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Logic and Knowledge', ed/tr. Marsh,Robert Charles [Routledge 1956], p.285


A Reaction

If we define belief as 'commitment to truth', Russell's last six words become redundant. "Propositions are the contents of beliefs", it being beliefs which are candidates for truth, not propositions. (Russell agrees, on p.308!)

Related Idea

Idea 20311 An idea involves affirmation or negation [Spinoza]