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causal theories of reference

Any theory saying that if we are to refer to an object we must be in some relevant causal contact with it. We cannot therefore refer to fictitious objects, but must be using their names in some other way.

Suppose that I try talking about one ‘Ebenezer Pilkington, who is “F”‘ (where ‘F is some elaborate description, satisfied by one person only, who happens also to be the only person called ‘Ebenezer Pilkington’); and suppose that all this is pure coincidence and I have never heard of him or been in any causal contact with him.

On the views in question I am not referring to him, whatever else I am doing.

These views are akin to the causal theory of names, though not the same since only people refer.

Source:
S Kripke, Naming and Necessity (1980)

Table of Contents

    • 0.1 Related:
  • 1 Videos
  • 2 Related Products
    • 2.1 Introduction to Statistical Decision Theory: Utility Theory and Causal Analysis
    • 2.2 Causal Theories of Reference for Proper Names
    • 2.3 Methods Matter: Improving Causal Inference in Educational and Social Science Research
    • 2.4 Cracking the China Conundrum: Why Conventional Economic Wisdom Is Wrong
    • 2.5 Multimethod Research, Causal Mechanisms, and Case Studies: An Integrated Approach
    • 2.6 Shakti Leadership: Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power in Business
    • 2.7 Time, Causality, and the Quantum Theory: Studies in the Philosophy of Science. Vol. 1: Essay on the Causal Theory of Time (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science)
    • 2.8 The Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory: Living Control Systems IV
    • 2.9 Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal (Encountering Jung Book 1)
    • 2.10 A Critical Overview of Biological Functions (SpringerBriefs in Philosophy)

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  • causal theory of names
  • causal theories of perception
  • causal theories
  • Saul Kripke
  • causal theories of meaning

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