Existence as a first-order predicate: some consequences and objections

Authors

  • André Nascimento Pontes

Keywords:

Existence. Logic. Ontology.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present the first order approach of the existence predicate in the context of Plato’s nonbeing argument and the Meinong’s Theory of Objects, as well as to present the most frequents criticisms to two theories. Therefore, I intend to show that the notion that “existing” is a predicate of the objects, which, although intuitive, can lead to the several philosophical problems. It is in the attempt of revealing the true logical form of the existence predicate and to resolve such problems that a superior order approach of the existence predicate legitimates itself.

Author Biography

André Nascimento Pontes

Mestre em Filosofia pela Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC/Capes/Procad: PUC Rio – UFSM – UFC)

Published

2010-01-01

Issue

Section

Conhecimento e Linguagem