Singular term

There is no really adequate definition of singular term. Here are some definitions proposed by different writers:

  1. A term that tells us which individual is being talked about. (John Stuart Mill, Arthur Prior, P. F. Strawson) [1]
  2. A term that is grammatically singular, i.e. a proper name (proprium nomen), a demonstrative pronoun (pronomen demonstrativum) or a demonstrative pronoun with a common name (cum termino communi). (William of Ockham)[2]
  3. A term that is inherently about the object to which it applies or refers. (Gottlob Frege) [3]
  4. A term that is true "in the same sense" of only one object. (Peter of Spain)[4]

References

  1. Strawson 1950, Prior 1976, Mill 1908
  2. Ockham, loc. cit.
  3. Frege 1892
  4. Peter of Spain 1947

Works cited

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