more from Hilary Putnam

Single Idea 17505

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / a. Names]

Full Idea

The important thing about proper names is that it would be ridiculous to think that having linguistic competence can be equated in their case with knowledge of a necessary and sufficient condition.

Gist of Idea

Using proper names properly doesn't involve necessary and sufficient conditions

Source

Hilary Putnam (Explanation and Reference [1973], II B)

Book Reference

Putnam,Hilary: 'Mind Language and Reality: Papers vol 2' [CUP 1975], p.204