Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
5-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Philosophy
Advisor
Barbara Montero
Committee Members
David Papineau
Heimir Geirrson
Subject Categories
Philosophy of Language
Keywords
Proper names, Frege's Puzzle, Indexicals, Kripke's Puzzle, Rigid Designator, Millianism
Abstract
I formulate a novel theory of proper names that is neither Millian nor Fregean to solve Frege’s puzzle. I argue that proper names are used as two kinds of indexicals. Sometimes a name is used indexically just to refer to its bearer. I call this a ‘Millian use’ of a name. Other times, a name is used indexically to refer to its bearer and to contribute the speaker’s descriptive conception of that bearer to the proposition. I call this a ‘Conception-indicating use’ of a name. Names are always rigid designators, both on Millian and Conception-indicating uses. I explain the cognitive value difference between ‘Clark Kent is Clark Kent’ and ‘Clark Kent is Superman’ by showing that they express different propositions. The propositional attitude ascription ‘Lois Lane does not realize that Clark Kent is Superman’ comes out as true, not false as Millians maintain.
Recommended Citation
Shabasson, Daniel S., "The Two Inexical Uses Theory of Proper Names and Frege's Puzzle" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/2605