Bertrand Russell’s Transition to the Higher-Order Theory of Existence

Cohen, Wouter (26. September 2025): Bertrand Russell’s Transition to the Higher-Order Theory of Existence. In: Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, aoaf012

Abstract

I argue that, in the period 1910–15, Bertrand Russell’s theory of existence is inconsistent with his theory of acquaintance. This inconsistency not only highlights that Russell’s thinking about existence is bound up with his epistemology, but also shows that it is only in 1918–19 that he finally comes to his influential higher-order theory of existence. Finally, I briefly argue that Russell’s eventual rejection of the distinction between being and existence goes hand-in-hand with his acceptance of a theory of universals according to which they are essentially predicative.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP)
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 100 Philosophy
• ISSN: 0066-7374
• Language: English