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Single Idea 2519

[filed under theme 19. Language / B. Reference / 4. Descriptive Reference / a. Sense and reference ]

Full Idea

There is virtually universal acceptance of Frege's definition of sense as the determiner of reference.

Gist of Idea

It is generally accepted that sense is defined as the determiner of reference

Source

Jerrold J. Katz (Realistic Rationalism [2000], Int.xxvi)

Book Ref

Katz,Jerrold J.: 'Realistic Rationalism' [MIT 2000], p.-9


A Reaction

Not any more, since Kripke and Putnam. It is one thing to say sense determines reference, and quite another to say that this is the definition of sense.


The 9 ideas from Jerrold J. Katz

Traditionally philosophy is an a priori enquiry into general truths about reality [Katz]
We don't have a clear enough sense of meaning to pronounce some sentences meaningless or just analytic [Katz]
Most of philosophy begins where science leaves off [Katz]
Structuralists see meaning behaviouristically, and Chomsky says nothing about it [Katz]
'Real' maths objects have no causal role, no determinate reference, and no abstract/concrete distinction [Katz]
It is generally accepted that sense is defined as the determiner of reference [Katz]
Sense determines meaning and synonymy, not referential properties like denotation and truth [Katz]
Sentences are abstract types (like musical scores), not individual tokens [Katz]
Experience cannot teach us why maths and logic are necessary [Katz]