Essay from the year 2017 in the subject Philosophy - Philosophy of the 20th century, language: English, abstract: This paper examines Russells criticism of Meinong in his article "On Denoting". Furthermore, it enquires into the possibilities Strawsons critique of Russells theory of definite descriptions may open up for Meinongian ideas. As this paper will show, there is indeed some potential to find there, although it seems not to be strong enough to be really convincing.



In order to introduce Russells theory, the paper starts with an overview of the Referential Theory of meaning Russell wants to overcome; then it will be clarified some basic notions (the varieties of singular terms) and problems (nonexistents and negative existentials) following the presentation of Meinongs Theory of Objects which is one of the targets of Russells criticisms; eventually, after all basic theories, notions and problems have been laid out, there will be a demonstration of Russells Theory of Descriptions and their critical anti-Meinongian implications.