Single Idea 16387

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 5. Mental Files]

Full Idea

The mental file account preserves the original, Millian inspiration of direct reference theories in giving pride of place to acquaintance relations and downplaying satisfaction factors.

Gist of Idea

Reference by mental files is Millian, in emphasising acquaintance, rather than satisfaction

Source

François Recanati (Mental Files [2012], 17.3)

Book Reference

Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.233


A Reaction

I find this a very satisfying picture, in which reference links to the simple label of a file (which could be a number), and not to its contents. There are tricky cases of non-existents, fictional entities and purely possible entities to consider.

Related Idea

Idea 16386 Direct reference is strong Millian (just a tag) or weak Kaplanian (allowing descriptions as well) [Recanati]