Fraser MacBride (Manchester): 'Relations: Metaphysics and Language'
In this paper I argue that non-symmetric relations exist but that they lack direction, argument places or absolute order and there are no converse relations. From this metaphysical perspective, I develop an account of predicates as impurely referring expressions. Conceiving of predicates as impurely referring expressions provides a solution to Frege's Paradox of the Concept Horse and allows us to address van Inwagen’s Puzzle about Relation Names. Finally I explore, from this point of view, the consequences for our understanding of second order logic.
Philosophical Society Seminar Convenor: Ralf Bader
