Significance of the non-referential terms in the legal language: The “tû-tû” concepts

Abstract

In ordinary language, as well as legal, is common to find terms in common usage, which however do not have a semantic reference, or are not able to be contrasted with any physical element. Consequently, in order to solve the problems that may be generated for this situation, the legal philosopher Alf Ross identified these terms in a particular category called “tû-tû”; which would explain them as a technique of representation and economy in the language that  would justify its usage and its importance in the language of law. The variety of legal concepts that can be identified  as tû-tû concepts shows that this is still a topic of interest in concerned lawyers and legal philosophers about the understanding of terms without a clear reference, but with important advantages for the law. The relevant contribution of the legal philosopher Alf Ross deserves a serious diffusion in different areas of the law not only as the example of the analytical greatness of its author, but also as an invaluable tool in the theoretical and practical relevance on the terminology reflection of our science.