Theory of Descriptions Essay Example for Free

Theory of Descriptions EssayIt is a matter of fact that Russell significantly contributed the development of philosophical thinking by service of process to resolve many philosophical problems. Furthermore, he offered theory of descriptions and analyzed logical structure of what people say. Theory of descriptions is the best application of the technique. Theory aims at de noning phrases in ordinary language and consequently it has given rise to three sorts of difficultiesExcluded middle. It means that the traditional principle is violated by suggestions such as either the place king of France is bald or the present king of France is not baldNon- endureence assertions. They aim at denoting phrases which have referents.Furthermore, they are saying of something, though this something doesnt exist The golden mountain does not existOpaque Contexts. Equivalent expression can be substituted, but substitution doesnt preserve the truth of the narrative Alan believes that Sarahs father is Joys sonRussell emphasized that descriptions are differently signified and they dont always suggest logically proper names. The referent is denoted directly and thus is carrying existential import, although the description is indirect denotation and has to be regarded differently. Russell suggested that denoting phrases cant be isolated otherwise they wont be understood correctly.Quine eliminated the ontological implications of descritions. For example, he stated that Pegasus wasnt actual, because it wasnt spatiotemporal object. He admitted that though Pegasus existed in mythology, in the imagination of every child and in philosophical disputes, it was not actual as it wasnt found in any zoo. Quine said the notion that Pegasus must be, because it would otherwise be nonsense to say even that Pegasus is not, has been seen to track McX into an elementary confusion.ReferencesRussell The Theory of Descriptions. Encyclopedia od Philosophy. Retrieved November 7, 2006, from http//philosop hypages.com/ph/russ.html