Proper Names: Philosophical Aspects

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Proper names, expressions such as 'George W. Bush,' 'New York,' and 'Armageddon,' raise two central philosophical questions. One concerns meaning: What do proper names contribute to the meanings of the sentences in which they occur? Another concerns reference: What is the mechanism by which proper names refer to their bearers? In responding to these questions, philosophers often compare and contrast proper names with other linguistic expressions, including definite descriptions and natural kind terms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Language & Linguistics
PublisherElsevier Ltd.
Pages137-141
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9780080448541
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Causal theories
  • Connotation
  • Definite descriptions
  • Denotation
  • Description theories
  • Empty names
  • Identity sentences
  • Meaning
  • Millian theories
  • Natural kind terms
  • Negative existentials
  • Propositional attitude attributions
  • Propositions
  • Reference
  • Sense

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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