Single Idea 6271

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

Full Idea

A theory of how reference is specified isn't a theory of what reference is.

Gist of Idea

How reference is specified is not what reference is

Source

Hilary Putnam (Meaning and the Moral Sciences [1978], Lec V)

Book Reference

Putnam,Hilary: 'Meaning and the Moral Sciences' [RKP 1981], p.58


A Reaction

A simple and important point. We may achieve reference by naming, describing, grunting or pointing, but the question is, what have we achieved when we get there?