more from Michael Dummett

Single Idea 10541

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 1. Physical Objects]

Full Idea

We cannot simply distinguish concrete objects as objects of ostension, if it literally involves a pointing gesture, as this would exclude a colourless gas, a sound or a smell.

Clarification

'Ostension' is defining by picking out

Gist of Idea

Concrete objects such as sounds and smells may not be possible objects of ostension

Source

Michael Dummett (Frege Philosophy of Language (2nd ed) [1973], Ch.14)

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Frege Philosophy of Language' [Duckworth 1981], p.481


A Reaction

He shifts to verbal ostension as a result, since we can talk of 'this smell'. On p.491 he suggests that affecting our senses is a sufficient condition to be concrete, but not a necessary one.