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Name Quote by John Stuart Mill

“Names have been further distinguished into univocal and æquivocal: these, however, are not two kinds of names, but two different modes of employing names.” quote by John Stuart Mill
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““Names have been further distinguished into univocal and æquivocal: these, however, are not two kinds of names, but two different modes of employing names.””

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

Source Book: A System of Logic, John Stuart Mill, 1843

Names can be used in two distinct ways: one with a single clear meaning, another with multiple possible meanings, reflecting different linguistic functions.

In simple terms: Names have single or multiple meanings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and clarify how you use names.

Themes

language philosophy semantics

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • legal drafting
  • academic writing
  • everyday conversation
  • translation

Key Concepts

meaning reference ambiguity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide which mode to use?
  • When does ambiguity help?
A Different Perspective

Overly precise distinctions can hinder communication.

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