451. My objection against Moore, that the
meaning of the isolated sentence “That is a tree” is undetermined, since it is
not determined what the “that” is
that is said to be a tree – doesn’t work, for one can make the meaning more
definite by saying, for example: “That object over there that looks like a tree
is not an artificial imitation of a real tree but a real one.”
the question of determination – is always
uncertain –
what is to count as determination for
‘that’s a tree’?
good eyesight?
another’s affirmation?
an elaboration a la Wittgenstein?
etc. etc.
the issue is –
does the sentence work when it is used?
and any answer here –
will be open to interpretation –
open to question –
open to doubt
© greg t. charlton. 2010.
