Ideas from 'Words without Objects' by Henry Laycock [2006], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Words without Objects' by Laycock,Henry [OUP 2006,0-19-928171-8]].


5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 4. Variables in Logic
If plural variables have 'some values', then non-count variables have 'some value'
5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 6. Plural Quantification
Plurals are semantical but not ontological
6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Numbers / p. Counting
Some non-count nouns can be used for counting, as in 'several wines' or 'fewer cheeses'
Some apparent non-count words can take plural forms, such as 'snows' or 'waters'
7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 8. Stuff / a. Pure stuff
The category of stuff does not suit reference
Descriptions of stuff are neither singular aggregates nor plural collections
7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 8. Stuff / b. Mixtures
We shouldn't think some water retains its identity when it is mixed with air
9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 8. Parts of Objects / a. Parts of objects
Parts must be of the same very general type as the wholes
15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 5. Generalisation by mind
'Humility is a virtue' has an abstract noun, but 'water is a liquid' has a generic concrete noun
19. Language / D. Theories of Reference / 1. Reference theories
It is said that proper reference is our intellectual link with the world