Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31192/np.19.2.10

Categories 10, 13b27-35: Logical form for Singular Predications

Igor Martinjak orcid.org/0000-0002-2726-4036 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The possibility of formal representation of Aristotle’s discussion about singular predication in Categories 10, 13b27-35 is investigated through three symbolic idioms: the first-order language with identity, with and without definitive description, and through the languages of free logics. I show that such representations are not fully adequate. According to the first option, we are committing Aristotle with some (meta)logical implications he is not willing to accept. According to the second option, we are burdening Aristotle with Russell’s theory of names. Finally, the third option leaves us with the assumption that ‘exist(s)’ could be represented with a predicate. This assumption, however, Aristotle emphatically rejects.

Keywords

affirmation; definitive descriptions; empty terms; existential import; first-order logic; free logic; logical form; negation; singularly existential sentences; singular predication

Hrčak ID:

260523

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/260523

Publication date:

16.7.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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