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Single Idea 10453
[filed under theme 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 3. Constants in Logic
]
Full Idea
In standard first-order logic the role of proper names is played by individual constants.
Gist of Idea
In logic constants play the role of proper names
Source
Kent Bach (What Does It Take to Refer? [2006], 22.2 L1)
Book Ref
'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Language', ed/tr. Lepore,E/Smith,B [OUP 2008], p.538
The
21 ideas
from 'What Does It Take to Refer?'
10440
|
An object can be described without being referred to
[Bach]
|
10439
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What refers: indefinite or definite or demonstrative descriptions, names, indexicals, demonstratives?
[Bach]
|
10441
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If we can refer to things which change, we can't be obliged to single out their properties
[Bach]
|
10446
|
Fictional reference is different inside and outside the fiction
[Bach]
|
10447
|
We can refer to fictional entities if they are abstract objects
[Bach]
|
10442
|
We can think of an individual without have a uniquely characterizing description
[Bach]
|
10443
|
You 'allude to', not 'refer to', an individual if you keep their identity vague
[Bach]
|
10444
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Definite descriptions can be used to refer, but are not semantically referential
[Bach]
|
10445
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It can't be real reference if it could refer to some other thing that satisfies the description
[Bach]
|
10455
|
Free logic at least allows empty names, but struggles to express non-existence
[Bach]
|
10453
|
In logic constants play the role of proper names
[Bach]
|
10454
|
In first-order we can't just assert existence, and it is very hard to deny something's existence
[Bach]
|
10456
|
Millian names struggle with existence, empty names, identities and attitude ascription
[Bach]
|
10452
|
Proper names can be non-referential - even predicate as well as attributive uses
[Bach]
|
10457
|
Since most expressions can be used non-referentially, none of them are inherently referential
[Bach]
|
10459
|
Context does not create reference; it is just something speakers can exploit
[Bach]
|
10460
|
'That duck' may not refer to the most obvious one in the group
[Bach]
|
10458
|
People slide from contextual variability all the way to contextual determination
[Bach]
|
10461
|
What a pronoun like 'he' refers back to is usually a matter of speaker's intentions
[Bach]
|
10462
|
Information comes from knowing who is speaking, not just from interpretation of the utterance
[Bach]
|
10463
|
Just alluding to or describing an object is not the same as referring to it
[Bach]
|