Note 45 — Chapter II
Reading edition
The question has been asked on what grounds the sun can be regarded as connotative, while John is considered non-connotative; compare T. H. Green, Philosophical Works, ii. p. 204. The answer is that sun is a general name with a definite signification which determines its application, and that it does not lose its connotation when individualised by the prefix the ; while John, on the other hand, is a name given to an object merely as a mark for purposes of future reference, and without signifying the possession by that object of any conventionally selected attributes.