Single Idea 4981

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

Full Idea

I have transferred the relation between the parts and the whole of the sentence to its reference, by calling the reference of the word part of the reference of the sentence, if the word itself is part of the sentence.

Gist of Idea

The reference of a word should be understood as part of the reference of the sentence

Source

Gottlob Frege (On Sense and Reference [1892], p.35)

Book Reference

Frege,Gottlob: 'Translations from the Writings of Gottlob Frege', ed/tr. Geach,P/Black,M [Blackwell 1980], p.65


A Reaction

Since Frege says the reference of a true sentence is simply to truth, words have reference insofar as they make contributions to attempts at stating truths.