Tutorial # 9. Russell. On Denoting. Discussion Questions

After having read Russell's On Denoting, try to think about the following questions.

• What is a definitive description? Give examples.
• What is the logical form of a sentence? Why is it important?
• How would Russell analyze the sentence “Catwoman is hot”?
• Is ordinary language “good enough for philosophy”, or does it require modifications? Why?
• How can we talk about things which do not exist? Think about Meinong’s, Frege’s and Russell’s answers to this question. Which is the most convincing? Why?
  
• What is Russell’s criticism to Frege’s theory of meaning?
  
• How does Russell treat propositional attitudes? How would he analyse the sentence "Matteo believes that the present queen of Italy is hot"?
  
• What is the difference between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description? Give examples. Why is it related to Russell’s analysis of definitive descriptions?