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. Hispanus 1947

Works cited

• Frege, G. (1892) "On Sense and Reference", originally published as " Über Sinn und Bedeutung" in Zeitschrift für Philosophie und philosophische Kritik, vol. 100, pp. 25-50. Transl. Geach & Black 56-78.
• Mill, J.S., A System of Logic, London 1908 (8th edition).
• Petrus Hispanus, Summulae Logicales, ed. I. M. Bochenski (Turin, 1947) – also quoted in Prior 1976
• Prior, A.N. The Doctrine of Propositions & Terms London 1976
• Strawson, P.F. "On Referring", Mind 1950 pp. 320-44.
• William of Ockham, Summa logicae Paris 1448, Bologna 1498, Venice 1508, Oxford 1675

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