Single Idea 13588

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / b. Rigid designation]

Full Idea

A rigid designator differs from others in that it picks out its object by essential traits. It designates the object in all possible worlds in which it exists.

Gist of Idea

A rigid designator (for all possible worlds) picks out an object by its essential traits

Source

Willard Quine (Intensions Revisited [1977], p.118)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.118


A Reaction

This states the point more clearly than Kripke ever does, and I presume it is right. Thus when we say that we wish 'our' Hubert Humphrey had won the election, we can allow that his victory elation would change him a bit. Kripke is right.