more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 10448
[filed under theme 19. Language / B. Reference / 4. Descriptive Reference / b. Reference by description
]
Full Idea
Strawson claimed that virtually any expression that can be used to refer to one thing in one context can be used to refer to something else in another context. Maybe expressions still refer, but only relative to a context.
Gist of Idea
If an expression can refer to anything, it may still instrinsically refer, but relative to a context
Source
comment on Peter F. Strawson (On Referring [1950]) by Kent Bach - What Does It Take to Refer? 22.2
Book Ref
'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Language', ed/tr. Lepore,E/Smith,B [OUP 2008], p.535
A Reaction
If there is complete freedom, then Bach's criticism doesn't sound plausible. If something is semantically referential, that should impose pretty tight restrictions on speakers. Why distinguish names as intrinsically referential, and descriptions as not?
The
20 ideas
from Peter F. Strawson
|
16979
|
It makes no sense to ask of some individual thing what it is that makes it that individual
[Strawson,P]
|
|
16980
|
We need a logical use of 'object' as predicate-worthy, and an 'ontological' use
[Strawson,P]
|
|
7920
|
Descriptive metaphysics aims at actual structure, revisionary metaphysics at a better structure
[Strawson,P]
|
|
7922
|
Descriptive metaphysics concerns unchanging core concepts and categories
[Strawson,P]
|
|
7921
|
Close examination of actual word usage is the only sure way in philosophy
[Strawson,P]
|
|
9282
|
I can only apply consciousness predicates to myself if I can apply them to others
[Strawson,P]
|
|
9263
|
A person is an entity to which we can ascribe predicates of consciousness and corporeality
[Strawson,P]
|
|
9281
|
The idea of a predicate matches a range of things to which it can be applied
[Strawson,P]
|
|
10430
|
Reference is mainly a social phenomenon
[Strawson,P, by Sainsbury]
|
|
10448
|
If an expression can refer to anything, it may still instrinsically refer, but relative to a context
[Bach on Strawson,P]
|
|
6413
|
'The present King of France is bald' presupposes existence, rather than stating it
[Strawson,P, by Grayling]
|
|
8354
|
Russell asks when 'The King of France is wise' would be a true assertion
[Strawson,P]
|
|
8355
|
Expressions don't refer; people use expressions to refer
[Strawson,P]
|
|
8357
|
If an utterance fails to refer then it is a pseudo-use, though a speaker may think they assert something
[Strawson,P]
|
|
8356
|
The meaning of an expression or sentence is general directions for its use, to refer or to assert
[Strawson,P]
|
|
8358
|
There are no rules for the exact logic of ordinary language, because that doesn't exist
[Strawson,P]
|
|
10841
|
The word 'true' always refers to a possible statement
[Strawson,P]
|
|
10842
|
The fact which is stated by a true sentence is not something in the world
[Strawson,P]
|
|
10843
|
Facts aren't exactly true statements, but they are what those statements say
[Strawson,P]
|
|
10844
|
The statement that it is raining perfectly fits the fact that it is raining
[Strawson,P]
|