Affirmation Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“The variables of quantification, 'something,' 'nothing,' 'everything,' range over our whole ontology, whatever it may be; and we are convicted of a particular ontological presupposition if, and only if, the alleged presuppositum has to be reckoned among the entities over which our variables range in order to render one of our affirmations true.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Word and Object, Willard Van Orman Quine, 1960
The quote argues that our logical variables presuppose an ontology; we assume the existence of entities that our language can refer to in order to make true statements.
In simple terms: Our language assumes the existence of things we talk about.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden ontological assumptions in reasoning.
Themes
philosophy
logic
ontology
language
epistemology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- philosophical analysis
- teaching logic
- writing research papers
Key Concepts
quantification
presupposition
semantic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What entities do you assume exist when you speak?
- How do hidden assumptions affect your conclusions?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overstate the necessity of ontological commitments for everyday language.
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
