Single Idea 16363

[catalogued under 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 9. Indexical Semantics]

Full Idea

The class of indexicals have the same property as mental files, that their reference is determined relationally rather than satisfactionally.

Clarification

'Satisfaction' would involve meeting some criterion

Gist of Idea

Indexicals (like mental files) determine their reference relationally, not by satisfaction

Source

François Recanati (Mental Files [2012], 5.1)

Book Reference

Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.57


A Reaction

Recanati is building an account of reference through mental files. This idea may be the clearest point I have yet encountered about indexicals, showing why they are of particular interest to philosophers.