Single Idea 12648

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

Full Idea

Names in thought (in contrast to, say, descriptions in thought) afford a primitive way of bringing John before the mind.

Gist of Idea

Names in thought afford a primitive way to bring John before the mind

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (LOT 2 [2008], Ch.3 App)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'LOT 2: the Language of Thought Revisited' [OUP 2008], p.95


A Reaction

I think the 'file' account of concepts which Fodor has now latched onto gives a wonderful account of names. They are simple if you haven't opened the file yet (like 'Louis', in Evans's example).