Single Idea 7750

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 1. Naming / b. Names as descriptive]

Full Idea

If asked whether or not proper names are logically connected with characteristics of the object to which they refer, the answer is 'yes, in a loose sort of way'.

Gist of Idea

Proper names are logically connected with their characteristics, in a loose way

Source

John Searle (Proper Names [1958], p.96)

Book Reference

'Philosophical Logic', ed/tr. Strawson,P.F. [OUP 1973], p.96


A Reaction

It seems to be inviting trouble to assert that a connection is both 'logical' and 'loose'. Clearly Searle has been reading too much later Wittgenstein. This is probably the weakest point in Searle's proposal, which brought a landslide of criticism.