23 Sept. 1814 '.1.

Logic

Ch.1. Ontology

Entities real fictitious &c.

'.1. Entities real & fictitious [...?]

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Chapter 2

Fictitious entity (says some one) of such a locution where can be the sense or use ? By the word entity cannot but be represented something that has existence: apply to the same subject the word /adjunct/ fictitious, the effect is to give instruction that it has not any existence. This, then, is a contradiction in terms, a species of locution from which, in proportion as it has any employment, confusion, and that alone, cannot but be the effect.

Entities are either real or fictitious, what can that mean ? What but that of entities there are two species or sorts: viz. one which is itself, and another which is neither itself nor anything else ? Instead of fictitious entity, or as synonymous with fictitious entity why not here say - non-entity ?

Answer. Altogether inevitable will this seeming contradiction be found. The root of it is in the nature of language: that instrument without which, though of itself it be nothing, nothing can be said, and scarcely can anything be done.

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