A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Frege and the Description Theory: An Attempt at Rehabilitation
Subtitle: An Attempt at Rehabilitation
Authors: Maunu Ari
Publisher: BRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS
Publication year: 2015
Journal: Grazer Philosophische Studien - Internationale Zeitschrift für Analytische Philosophie
Volume: 92
Issue: 1
First page : 109
Last page: 116
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 0165-9227
eISSN: 1875-6735
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004310841_006
I question the received view that Frege advocates the description theory of proper names. First, I argue that the textual evidence for this view from Frege’s writings is not conclusive. Secondly, I propose that the Fregean Sinne (of proper names) may be understood nondescriptionally in terms of symbolhood. Finally, I suggest that in the notorious passages where Frege is apparently supporting the description theory he is just indicating the potential problems with communication with proper names.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |