Home

inexistentus

Inexistentus is a term used in philosophy of language and metaphysics to denote a class of entities that do not exist in the actual world but can be meaningfully discussed. The word derives from the Latin inexistentus, meaning "not existing." In discussions, inexistentus-type references are invoked to analyze how terms, predicates, and descriptions function when their referents do not correspond to real objects.

Philosophical context: Inexistentus is often associated with the problem of non-existent objects in Meinongian theories of

Linguistic and logical significance: The notion helps distinguish between terms that refer and terms that do

Criticism and alternatives: Some philosophers reject the need for a class of nonexistent objects, arguing that

See also: Nonexistent object, Meinong's theory of objects, Russell's theory of descriptions, Fictionalism, Empty name.

objects,
where
objects
can
have
properties
and
truth
conditions
even
if
they
do
not
exist.
The
concept
is
used
in
thought
experiments
involving
mythical
or
fictional
beings
such
as
the
unicorn
or
the
king
of
France,
as
well
as
abstract
entities
that
might
be
predicated
of
without
existing.
not,
and
between
existence
claims
and
presuppositions.
It
is
relevant
to
theories
of
descriptions,
proper
names,
and
fictional
discourse,
where
statements
about
inexistentus
can
be
true
or
false
depending
on
the
framework.
talk
of
such
entities
is
a
linguistic
or
cognitive
convenience
rather
than
an
ontological
commitment.
Alternatives
include
Russell's
theory
of
descriptions
and
fictionalist
approaches.