Single Idea 4099

[catalogued under 18. Thought / C. Content / 5. Twin Earth]

Full Idea

Putnam claims that the Twins have different thoughts even though their heads are the same, so their thoughts (about 'water' or 'XYZ') cannot be in their heads.

Clarification

The Twins live in identical worlds, except for the chemistry of so-called 'water'

Gist of Idea

If Twins talking about 'water' and 'XYZ' have different thoughts but identical heads, then thoughts aren't in the head

Source

report of Hilary Putnam (The Meaning of 'Meaning' [1975]) by Tim Crane - Elements of Mind 4.37

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.122


A Reaction

Is Putnam guilty of a simple confusion of de re and de dicto reference?