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Full Idea
A rigid designator differs from others in that it picks out its object by essential traits. It designates the object in all possible worlds in which it exists.
Gist of Idea
A rigid designator (for all possible worlds) picks out an object by its essential traits
Source
Willard Quine (Intensions Revisited [1977], p.118)
Book Ref
Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.118
A Reaction
This states the point more clearly than Kripke ever does, and I presume it is right. Thus when we say that we wish 'our' Hubert Humphrey had won the election, we can allow that his victory elation would change him a bit. Kripke is right.
| 13589 | Possible worlds are a way to dramatise essentialism, and yet they presuppose essentialism [Quine] |
| 13588 | A rigid designator (for all possible worlds) picks out an object by its essential traits [Quine] |
| 13591 | Quantified modal logic collapses if essence is withdrawn [Quine] |
| 13590 | Essences can make sense in a particular context or enquiry, as the most basic predicates [Quine] |
| 8483 | Necessity is relative to context; it is what is assumed in an inquiry [Quine] |
| 13592 | Beliefs can be ascribed to machines [Quine] |