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Single Idea 16432

[from 'Conceptual truth and metaphysical necessity' by Robert C. Stalnaker, in 19. Language / B. Reference / 3. Direct Reference / b. Causal reference ]

Full Idea

In 'causal descriptivism' the causal story is built into the description that is the content of the name (and also incorporates a rigidifying operator to ensure that the descriptions that names abbreviate have wide scope).

Gist of Idea

One view says the causal story is built into the description that is the name's content

Source

Robert C. Stalnaker (Conceptual truth and metaphysical necessity [2003], 5)

Book Reference

Stalnaker,Robert C.: 'Ways a World Might Be' [OUP 2003], p.211


A Reaction

Not very controversial, I would say, since virtually every fact about the world has a 'causal story' built into it. Must we insist on rigidity in order to have wide scope?