An argument against Fregean that-clause semantics

Philosophical Studies 138 (3):335 - 347 (2008)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

I develop a problem for the Fregean Reference Shift analysis of that-clause reference. The problem is discussed by Stephen Schiffer in his recent book The Things We Mean (2003). Either the defender of the Fregean Reference Shift analysis must count certain counterintuitive inferences as valid, or else he must reject a plausible Exportation rule. I consider several responses. I find that the best response relies on a Kaplan-inspired analysis of quantified belief reports. But I argue that this response faces some serious problems.

Similar books and articles

Two-dimensionalism: A neo-Fregean interpretation.Manuel García-Carpintero - 2006 - In Manuel García-Carpintero & Josep Macià (eds.), Two-Dimensional Semantics. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Believing in semantics.John C. Bigelow - 1978 - Linguistics and Philosophy 2 (1):101--144.
Direct reference in thought and speech.Kirk A. Ludwig - 1993 - Communication and Cognition: An Interdisciplinary Quarterly Journal 26 (1):49-76.
The Natural Kind Analysis of Ceteris Paribus Law Statements.Barry Ward - 2007 - Philosophical Topics 35 (1-2):359-380.
The structure of predication.Alessandro Lenci - 1998 - Synthese 114 (2):233-276.
Defending Millian Theories.Bryan Frances - 1998 - Mind 107 (428):703-728.
Sense, reference, and philosophy.Jerrold J. Katz - 2004 - New York: Oxford University Press.

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
289 (#66,811)

6 months
81 (#51,267)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Adam Pautz
Brown University

Citations of this work

Concept Designation.Arvid Båve - 2019 - American Philosophical Quarterly 56 (4):331-344.
Problems for Russellian Act-Type Theories.Arvid Båve - forthcoming - Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy.
A note on pretense and co-reference.Michael Hicks - 2010 - Philosophical Studies 149 (3):395 - 400.

Add more citations

References found in this work

The things we mean.Stephen R. Schiffer - 2003 - New York: Oxford University Press.
Quantifiers and propositional attitudes.Willard van Orman Quine - 1955 - Journal of Philosophy 53 (5):177-187.
Quantifying in.David Kaplan - 1968 - Synthese 19 (1-2):178-214.
Thought without Representation.John Perry & Simon Blackburn - 1986 - Aristotelian Society Supplementary Volume 60 (1):137-166.

View all 16 references / Add more references