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Single Idea 5825

[filed under theme 19. Language / B. Reference / 3. Direct Reference / b. Causal reference ]

Full Idea

In general, a speaker intends to refer to the item that is the dominant source of his associated body of information.

Gist of Idea

Speakers intend to refer to items that are the source of their information

Source

Gareth Evans (The Causal Theory of Names [1973], §II)

Book Ref

Evans,Gareth: 'Collected Papers' [OUP 1985], p.17


A Reaction

This sounds like a theory of reference which fully preserves the spirit of traditional empiricism. Speakers refer to ideas which connect to the source of their underlying impressions.