Singular term

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There is no really adequate definition of singular term. Here are some definitions proposed by different writers:

  1. A term that tells us which individual is being talked about. (John Stuart Mill, Arthur Prior, P. F. Strawson)
  2. A term that is grammatically singular, i.e. a proper name (proprium nomen), a demonstrative pronoun (pronomen demonstrativum) or a demonstrative pronoun with a common name (cum termino communi). (William of Ockham)
  3. A term that is inherently about the object to which it applies or refers. (Gottlob Frege)
  4. A term that is true "in the same sense" of only one object. (Peter of Spain)
  5. An expression whose extension is an individual, rather than a class or a truth value.
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