Single Idea 18898

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 1. Reference theories]

Full Idea

In modern predicate logic, definite reference by proper names is the primary and sole form of reference.

Gist of Idea

In standard logic, names are the only way to refer

Source

Fred Sommers (Intellectual Autobiography [2005], 'Reference')

Book Reference

'The Old New Logic', ed/tr. Oderberg,David S. [MIT 2005], p.16


A Reaction

Hence we have to translate definite descriptions into (logical) names, or else paraphrase them out of existence. The domain only contains 'objects', so only names can uniquely pick them out.