Existence

Abstract

In this chapter I undertake an analysis of the concept of existence. This analysis shows that existence is not a property. The occurrence of the word “exists” in a sentence does not introduce any distinction to the possible state of affairs indicated by that sentence, but rather confirms that this possibility is realized. Following this analysis, Kant's, Frege's and Russell's views of existence are critically examined. Finally in this chapter, the necessary and sufficient conditions for including the concept of existence in any conceptual scheme are shown to be identical with the necessary and sufficient conditions for the contingency of propositions. This outcome implies that only the things which are described by contingent propositions can be meaningfully said to exist.