PHI 3398 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: False Dilemma
6 Dec 2013
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5: section 6: generality and the conceptual. We can only grasp" an object through a description of it. That is, object x must be grasped as the x which is p, q, r". "the x upon which we can predicate" something". It is tempting to identify predication with the conceptual. Predicates are general" and are applied upon particulars". A concept would be the expression of a generality, of something that possesses many possible instances. Thought depends on predication in russell under that interpretation. If we associate predication to the conceptual, thought does not go beyond the conceptual when it is directed towards an object, towards something extra-conceptual. There"s always a conceptual grasp under that interpretation. Awareness of the object through the senses (perception) Demonstratives: we are certainly in contact with these referents without predicating on them, hence non-conceptually. Thought must then be able to reach beyond the conceptual. Objects we see" but can offer no description of.
