Single Idea 17504

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 3. Direct Reference / c. Social reference]

Full Idea

What is important about Kripke's theory is not that the use of proper names is 'causal' - what is not? - but that the use of proper names is collective.

Gist of Idea

Kripke's theory is important because it gives a collective account of reference

Source

report of Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity lectures [1970]) by Hilary Putnam - Explanation and Reference II B

Book Reference

Putnam,Hilary: 'Mind Language and Reality: Papers vol 2' [CUP 1975], p.203


A Reaction

This is the best response to Kripke. Reference is achieved by thinkers and speakers, but it is also a team activity, as in the case of the elm, or of Amenhotep II.