Multiple Term Relations (Russell)

Some relations are two term relations, e.g. Dave hit Bill.

But some relations involve more than two terms, e.g. Springdale is between Fayetteville and Rogers.

"The relation involved in . . . believing must, if falsehood is to be duly allowed for, be taken to be a relations between several terms, not two." (P 193a)

"What is called belief ... is nothing but this relation of believing ... which relates a mind to several things other than itself." (P 193b)

So Jill's belief that Paul is dead is a relation among Jill, Paul, and death, not a relation of Jill to the fact that Paul is dead.


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Richard Lee, rlee@uark.edu, last modified: 25 February 2003