Single Idea 4567

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 1. Reference theories]

Full Idea

Russell argued with great plausibility that we rarely, if ever, refer with our words.

Gist of Idea

Russell argued with great plausibility that we rarely, if ever, refer with our words

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by David E. Cooper - Philosophy and the Nature of Language §4

Book Reference

Cooper,David E.: 'Philosophy and the Nature of Language' [Longman 1979], p.71


A Reaction

I'm not sure if I understand this. Presumably phrases which appear to refer actually point at other parts of language rather than the world.