On the origins of Russell's theory of descriptions
This thesis explores the development of Bertrand Russellâs theory of definite descriptions. It aims at demonstrating the connection between Russellâs views on the subject of denoting and his attempt, in the period 1903-05, to develop a solution to 'the Contradiction' (i.e. the Russell Paradox). The thesis argues that the discovery of the theory of descriptions, and the way in which it works, are best understood against the backdrop of Russellâs work on the paradoxes. A new understanding of Russellâs seminal paper 'On Denoting' is presented, including a novel interpretation of the notorious 'Grayâs Elegy Argument', in which Russell argues against his earlier theory of denoting. That Russellâs work on denoting is connected to his work on the paradoxes is reasonably well-known: the nature of the connection has not, however, been adequately brought out in the literature. This is addressed through demonstrating the relationship between Russellâs work on denoting and his development of the 'substitutional theory' of classes and relations. This theory eliminates classes and propositional functions in favour of matrices and substitutions. The role of the theory of descriptions in the development of the
Rebera, Andrew Peter
B Philosophy (General) ; BC Logic
On the origins of Russell's theory of descriptions. This thesis explores the development of Bertrand Russellâs theory of definite descriptions. It aims at demonstrating the connection between Russellâs views on the subject of denoting and his attempt, in the period 1903-05, to develop a solution to 'the Contradiction' (i.e. the Russell Paradox). The thesis argues that the discovery of the theory of descriptions, and the way in which it works, are best understood against the backdrop of Russellâs work on the paradoxes. A new understanding of Russellâs seminal paper 'On Denoting' is presented, including a novel interpretation of the notorious 'Grayâs Elegy Argument', in which Russell argues against his earlier theory of denoting. That Russellâs work on denoting is connected to his work on the paradoxes is reasonably well-known: the nature of the connection has not, however, been adequately brought out in the literature. This is addressed through demonstrating the relationship between Russellâs work on denoting and his development of the 'substitutional theory' of classes and relations. This theory eliminates classes and propositional functions in favour of matrices and substitutions. The role of the theory of descriptions in the development of the
origin russell theory description explores_development russell theory definite_description aim demonstrate connection russell view subject denote attempt period develop solution the contradiction russell paradox argues discovery theory description way work best_understood backdrop russell work paradox new russell seminal paper denoting present include novel_interpretation notorious argument russell argue early theory denoting russell work denote connect work paradox reasonably well_known nature connection however adequately brought literature addressed demonstrate relationship russell work denote development theory class relation theory eliminate class propositional function favour matrix substitution role theory description development