Frege and the Description Theory: An Attempt at Rehabilitation




An Attempt at Rehabilitation

Maunu Ari

PublisherBRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS

2015

Grazer Philosophische Studien - Internationale Zeitschrift für Analytische Philosophie

92

1

109

116

8

0165-9227

1875-6735

DOIhttps://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.


Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 13:59