Single Idea 9172

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / b. Rigid designation]

Full Idea

By 'rigid designator' I mean a term that designates the same object in all possible worlds.

Gist of Idea

A 'rigid designator' designates the same object in all possible worlds

Source

Saul A. Kripke (Identity and Necessity [1971])

Book Reference

'Meaning and Reference', ed/tr. Moore,A.W. [OUP 1993], p.172


A Reaction

I am persistently troubled by the case of objects which are slightly different in another possible world. Does 'Aristotle' refer to him as young or old? Might the very same man have had a mole on his cheek?