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Single Idea 16982

[from 'Naming and Necessity preface' by Saul A. Kripke, in 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / c. Names as referential ]

Full Idea

Two totally distinct 'historical chains' that be sheer accident assign the same name to the same man should probably count as creating distinct names despite the identity of the referents.

Gist of Idea

A man has two names if the historical chains are different - even if they are the same!

Source

Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity preface [1980], p.08 n9)

Book Reference

Kripke,Saul: 'Naming and Necessity' [Blackwell 1980], p.8


A Reaction

A nice puzzle for his own theory. 'What's you name?' 'Alice, and Alice!'