The Classification of Names in a System of Logic

Abstract

The central concern of this opening chapter is the classification of names in the second chapter of the first book of A System of Logic. Mill entitled that chapter ‘Of Names.’ In order to provide a satisfactory introduction to the terminological and conceptual frameworks that are constitutive for the present monograph, I have found it necessary to analyze Mill’s view of names precisely. In this first chapter I explore what Mill means by a name — typical logical distinctions become apparent even here — and I discuss the kinds of names he distinguishes. I deal in turn with the distinctions general—individual, concrete—abstract, connotative—non-connotative, positive—negative, and relative—non-relative. I leave the opposition universal—equivocal, which Mill injects, aside, since this distinction is of little interest here. As Mill himself states, it has no connection with names; it applies rather to “modes of employing names” (SL, p. 44).