Charles Crittenden here offers an original solution to one of the traditional dilemmas of philosophy—whether there can be any thing not existing, since to say that some thing does not exist seems to presuppose its existence. Drawing on the tools of Wittgensteinian philosophy and speech act theory, Crittenden argues that we can and often do make reference to unreal objects such as fictional characters, though they do not exist in any sense at all.

There are genuine references to non?existent objects, as can be seen through elucidating reference in common language and applying the criteria enumerated to expressions used in writing and speaking about fiction. The concept of a fictitious entity is simply accepted in the adoption of the ?language?game? of fiction and has no undesirable ontological consequences. To think otherwise is to fail to attend to the conceptual status of such talk. Accounts of fictional discourse by Russell, Ryle, and Chisholm are found objectionable. (...) The concept of existence is touched on, and consequences concerning reference to abstract and other objects and also concerning method in ontology mentioned. (shrink)

The metaphysician wants to go beneath surface phenomena and to get at the essence of things, But instead arrives at a "picture" suggested by everyday language. Eliminating pictures requires bringing out the facts of everyday use and is not positivism or psychoanalysis. Still pictures arrange facts and lead to theories though not giving underlying realities. Rather essence is in usage: "essence is expressed by grammar". Thus philosophical therapy leads to closer accord with the world.

Here is an argument for the existence of the most perfect being: 1. There is a concept of a greatest conceivable being . 2. This being cannot be conceived of only, as then it would lack existence and so not be the greatest conceivable.

Frege is considered by many to be the founder of analytic philosophy, but his importance for the philosophy of mathematics is unrecognized. Despite his inability to deal with the paradoxes pointed out by Russell, personal blind spots, and various serious philosophical shortcomings, he is, says Dummett, "the greatest philosopher of mathematics yet to have written". Not everything of interest on this topic is given here; rather, Dummett means to go "to the heart of Frege's philosophy of mathematics, setting aside everything (...) not of central importance for that purpose". (shrink)