Single Idea 14622

[catalogued under 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 7. Extensional Semantics]

Full Idea

What distinguishes the referential position in semantics from Fregeanism is that it makes use of de re semantic facts, in which it is required of an object itself that it enter into certain semantic requirements.

Gist of Idea

Referential semantics (unlike Fregeanism) allows objects themselves in to semantic requirements

Source

Kit Fine (Semantic Necessity [2010], 5)

Book Reference

'Modality', ed/tr. Hale,B/Hoffman,A [OUP 2010], p.80


A Reaction

I have a repugnance to any sort of semantics that involves the objects themselves, even when dealing with proper names. If I talk of 'Napoleon', no small Frenchman is to be found anywhere in my sentences.