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Single Idea 12791

[filed under theme 19. Language / B. Reference / 1. Reference theories ]

Full Idea

Some people hold that it is reference, in some more or less full-blooded sense, which constitutes our basic intellectual or psychological connection with the world.

Gist of Idea

It is said that proper reference is our intellectual link with the world

Source

Henry Laycock (Words without Objects [2006], Pref)

Book Ref

Laycock,Henry: 'Words without Objects' [OUP 2006], p.-5


A Reaction

This is the view which Laycock sets out to challenge, by showing that we talk about stuff like water without any singular reference occurring at all. I think he is probably right.