Incomplete Symbols - Definite Descriptions Revisited

Gratzl, Norbert (2015): Incomplete Symbols - Definite Descriptions Revisited. In: Journal of Philosophical Logic, Vol. 44, No. 5: pp. 489-506

Abstract

We investigate incomplete symbols, i.e. definite descriptions with scope-operators. Russell famously introduced definite descriptions by contextual definitions; in this article definite descriptions are introduced by rules in a specific calculus that is very well suited for proof-theoretic investigations. That is to say, the phrase `incomplete symbols' is formally interpreted as to the existence of an elimination procedure. The last section offers semantical tools for interpreting the phrase `no meaning in isolation' in a formal way.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: Definite descriptions; Philosophical logic; Proof theory
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP); Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Logic; Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Metaphysics and Philosophy of Language
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 100 Philosophy; 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 160 Logic
• ISSN: 1573-0433
• Language: English