Frege and the Description Theory: An Attempt at Rehabilitation
: An Attempt at Rehabilitation
: Maunu Ari
Publisher: BRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS
: 2015
: Grazer Philosophische Studien - Internationale Zeitschrift für Analytische Philosophie
: 92
: 1
: 109
: 116
: 8
: 0165-9227
: 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.