Single Idea 13405

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / a. Names]

Full Idea

The person who introduces a proper name gets to pick its bearer, but its category - and consequently the meaning of the name - is determined by social use.

Gist of Idea

The baptiser picks the bearer of a name, but social use decides the category

Source

Michael Jubien (Possibility [2009], 7)

Book Reference

Jubien,Michael: 'Possibility' [OUP 2009], p.179


A Reaction

New 'division of labour'. The idea that a name has some sort of meaning seems right and important. If babies were switched after baptism, social use might fix the name to the new baby. The namer could stipulate the category at the baptism. Too neat.