Single Idea 9640

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 7. Meaning Holism / c. Meaning by Role]

Full Idea

In addition to the sense and reference of term, there is the 'computational' role. The name '2' has a sense (successor of 1) and a reference (the number 2). But the word 'two' has little computational power, Roman 'II' is better, and '2' is a marvel.

Gist of Idea

A term can have not only a sense and a reference, but also a 'computational role'

Source

James Robert Brown (Philosophy of Mathematics [1999], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Brown,James Robert: 'Philosophy of Mathematics' [Routledge 2002], p.92


A Reaction

Very interesting, and the point might transfer to natural languages. Synonymous terms carry with them not just different expressive powers, but the capacity to play different roles (e.g. slang and formal terms, gob and mouth).