Two Theories of Names: How Mill’s Semantics Superseded Teachings of Schoolmen

Abstract

Theory of names is a prominent part of analytic philosophy of language. Contemporary analysis of names is typically taken to be emerging from the works of F. Brentano, A. Meinong and especially G. Frege. However, the contemporary theory of names originates from J. S. Mill. System of Logic, his opus magnum, had an enormous influence on later development of logic, the philosophy of language and the emergence of logical positivism. The philosophy of language and the theory of names in the scholastic tradition were treated highly, partially to their significance to theology. However, achievements of the scholastic philosophy of language are hardly noticeable in the contemporary analytic philosophy of language. This article seeks to investigate the causes of such situation. These may involve disregard towards scholastic philosophy in general characteristic of the philosophy of Enlightment. It is claimed that some other significant influence may had been the analysis of logic and epistemology provided in the System of Logic.