Investigating the Methodology of  Logical Analysis: Russell's Theory of Descriptions

Shahmir, Saeedeh

doi:10.30465/lsj.2021.35951.1350

Investigating the Methodology of Logical Analysis: Russell's Theory of Descriptions

Document Type : Extension

Author

Saeedeh Shahmir

PhD student in Western Philosophy, Allameh Tabatabai University.

https://doi.org/10.30465/lsj.2021.35951.1350

Abstract

One of the goals, or perhaps the most important goal of Bertrand Russell’s prominent attempts in his philosophical and logical works was to establish a sort of Ideal or Perfect Language in order to be used to deal with the varieties of complexities, ambiguities, and paradoxes which in one way or another appear in natural languages. Such a project is built on the central notion, or better methodology, of Logical Analysis. Russell by using his logical analysis can distinguish between (genuine proper) names and definite descriptions, which further helps him to cope with three main problems: informativeness of identity claims, negative existentials, and non-existents, that is, those expressions which have no reference whatsoever. In this paper, I will introduce and explain Russell’s view in two parts: The Conceptual Aspect of his analysis, which involves the definition of logical analysis, and the Extensional Aspect, which brings in his famous Theory of Descriptions.

Keywords

Russell

logical analysis

logical form

denoting phrase

theory of descriptions

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