Single Idea 5810

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 2. Denoting]

Full Idea

If I am right, referring is not the same as denoting and the referential use of definite descriptions is not recognised on Russell's view.

Gist of Idea

Referring is not denoting, and Russell ignores the referential use of definite descriptions

Source

comment on Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by Keith Donnellan - Reference and Definite Descriptions §I

Book Reference

'Naming, Necessity, and Natural Kinds', ed/tr. Schwartz,Stephen P. [Cornell 1979], p.43


A Reaction

This introduces a new theory of reference, which goes beyond the mere contents of linguistic experessions. It says reference is an 'external' and 'causal' affair, and so a definite description is not sufficient to make a reference.