Author Description
Proper Names explores the aims and scope of the Millian approach to the semantics of proper names. Stefano Predelli covers the core semantic aspects of Millianism, and develops them against the background of an independently motivated pre-semantic picture, grounded on the distinction between meaning and use. Accordingly, the volume defends Millianism from certain popular misconceptions and criticisms, it highlights its explanatory potential, and it tackles a variety of traditional philosophical problems from its viewpoint. In particular, Predelli discusses the relationships between co-referential names, the issue of non truth-conditional meaning for proper names, the role of onomastics in a theory of the use of names, the phenomenon of empty names, cases of so-called fictional names and names from myth and false scientific theories, and apparently predicative uses of proper names.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the validity and explanatory power of the Millian theory of proper names within the broader framework of contemporary semantics. Stefano Predelli, a philosopher specializing in language and logic, utilizes a pre-semantic methodology to distinguish between the meaning of names and their practical use. By grounding his argument in this distinction, he seeks to defend the Millian position against common philosophical objections while demonstrating its utility in resolving complex semantic puzzles.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A detailed analysis of the Millian approach to proper name semantics
- A framework distinguishing between meaning and use
- Examination of co-referential names and non truth-conditional meaning
- Discussion of empty names, fictional names, and names from myth
- Investigation into predicative uses of proper names
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive history of all naming theories
- It focuses primarily on the Millian perspective rather than providing a comparative survey of all competing semantic theories
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts in the philosophy of language recognize this work as a rigorous defense of Millianism that addresses specific technical challenges within the field. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for those with a background in formal semantics and analytic philosophy.
Page Count:
175
Publication Date:
2017-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191083992
ISBN-13:
9780191083990
Philosophy
Logic
Names
Semantics
Philosophy of
Linguistics