1938 – 1983
Richard Sharvy (1938–1983) was an American analytic philosopher best known for his contributions to the logic of definite descriptions and the metaphysics of mass terms. Working primarily at the University of Oregon, he developed more general formal treatments of reference and predication, with particular attention to how singular terms, plural terms, and mass nouns behave in natural language.
Developed a more general theory of definite descriptions extending Russell's account to mass terms and plurals ('A More General Theory of Definite Descriptions', 1980)
Analyzed the semantics of mass nouns and their relationship to count nouns in formal logic
Contributed to the type/token distinction and the individuation of linguistic inscriptions and their readings
Worked on the logic of identity and predication for non-count and collective entities
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