Abstract

In this dissertation we examine from a metalinguistic point of view various notions connected with reference, quantification, existence, and ontology. A wide range of views is subjected to critical scrutiny, and some original suggestions are put forward. ;This study divides roughly into three parts. Chapter I is almost entirely expository in character, serving chiefly as a glossary to the technical notions employed in later chapters. First, a simple object-language L is characterized, and then various alternative syntactical, semantical, and pragmatical metalanguages are constructed relative to L. ;In Chapter II we argue that a systematic theory of reference can be most adequately and fruitfully developed within an hierarchical system which consisted of an object-language together with its syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic metalanguages. We argue that an hierarchical system of this kind provides a basis for defending the principle of extensionality. In particular, we attempt to show that the thesis of extensionality can be maintained in spite of problems engendered by disposition terms, contrafactual conditionals, and epistemic and modal contexts, etc. ;Chapter III is concerned with quantification theory and with various notions relating to existence and concrete objects. We explore alternative ways of handling quantification theory in the empty domain, and we tentatively suggest a new approach to this problem. We also offer what is perhaps the most thorough and detailed critique yet given of free logic and substitutional quantification. Quine's doctrines on existence and quantification are subjected to searching criticism, as are the views of Frege, Russell, and others. Finally, within the context of a semantical metalanguage, we identify various ontological categories relative to an object-language L. In this connection we offer a semantical analysis of both 'exist' and 'concrete object'. The existence concepts thus characterized are essentially semantical in character, and they cannot be formalized within the object-language L nor can they be analyzed or translated in terms of the so-called existential quantifier. Together, Chapters II and III constitute at least the beginning of a systematic theory of reference, quantification, and ontology. ;Finally, in Chapter IV the principal results of the dissertation are summarized, and a prolegomena for further research is suggested