Singular term


A singular term is a paradigmatic referring device in a language. Singular terms are of philosophical importance for philosophers of language, because they refer to things in the world, and the ability of words to refer calls for scrutiny.

Overview

Singular terms are defined as expressions that purport to denote or designate particular individual people, places, or other objects. They contrast with general terms which can apply to more than one thing.
There are various kinds of singular terms: proper names, definite descriptions, singular personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, etc.
Historically, various definitions for "singular term" have been offered:
  1. A term that tells us which individual is being talked about.
  2. A term that is grammatically singular, i.e. a proper name, a demonstrative pronoun or a demonstrative pronoun with a common name.
  3. A term that is inherently about the object to which it applies or refers.
  4. A term that is true "in the same sense" of only one object.

    Works cited