Single Idea 4976

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 4. Descriptive Reference / a. Sense and reference]

Full Idea

The meaning (reference) of 'evening star' is the same as that of 'morning star', but not the sense.

Gist of Idea

The meaning (reference) of 'evening star' is the same as that of 'morning star', but not the sense

Source

Gottlob Frege (On Sense and Reference [1892], p.27)

Book Reference

Frege,Gottlob: 'Translations from the Writings of Gottlob Frege', ed/tr. Geach,P/Black,M [Blackwell 1980], p.57


A Reaction

Max Black translates 'bedeutung' as 'meaning', but nowadays everyone calls it 'reference'. This is Frege's crucial distinction, which greatly clarified analytical philosophy. Nevertheless, is it a sharp distinction? E.g. referring to a fictional name?