Single Idea 4100

[catalogued under 18. Thought / C. Content / 5. Twin Earth]

Full Idea

The Twin Earth argument does not refute internalism, since it depends on the 'Content-Determines-Reference' principle, which internalists can reject.

Clarification

Reference is fixed by meaning, rather than by external connection

Gist of Idea

The Twin Earth argument depends on reference being determined by content, which may be false.

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 4.37)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.126


A Reaction

The idea is that content should be understood in a context (e.g. on a particular planet). Indexicals count against a totally narrow view of content (Twins thinking 'I am here').