Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Mill argued in 'A System of Logic' that proper names are ... — Carmelics
    Home
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Part of a larger discussion

    Challenges→Proper names must have a sense, not merely a referent.

    Mill argued in 'A System of Logic' that proper names are 'non-connotative': they denote individuals but do not imply any attribute of those individuals.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Proper names successfully refer to individuals across contexts where their attributes change, suggesting reference doesn't depend on fixed attributes.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If names connotated attributes, we couldn't meaningfully learn new facts about named individuals without changing what the name means.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Names function identically whether the bearer has few or many known attributes, implying attributes are external to the name's core meaning.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.We identify and distinguish individuals partly through their properties; some minimal descriptive content seems built into proper name use and learning.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Names like 'Aristotle' or 'Napoleon' carry historical-descriptive baggage that shapes how speakers use them, suggesting some connotation is present.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Mill's distinction between connotation and denotation may be too rigid; names could have conventional associations without strict logical connotation.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

    Connections

    1 topic

    Philosophy of Language1 linked

    Related

    If names connotated attributes, we couldn't meaningfully learn new facts about n...Mill's distinction between connotation and denotation may be too rigid; names co...Names function identically whether the bearer has few or many known attributes, ...Names like 'Aristotle' or 'Napoleon' carry historical-descriptive baggage that s...
    +3 moreShow less
    Proper names must have a sense, not merely a referent.Proper names successfully refer to individuals across contexts where their attri...We identify and distinguish individuals partly through their properties; some mi...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit