Sense and Reference

1
Sense and Reference

• Frege

2
Puzzles for all relational theories of
names/definite descriptions

• Names of non-existents
• Negative existentials
• Freges puzzle about identity
• Opaque contexts

3
Frege

• Starting with the third problem, Freges solution
  is there must be some difference between
  co-referring names besides reference (reference
  is process/product ambiguous either referring
  or referent).
• They differ in sense.
• Sense determines reference mode of presentation.
  NOT image in the mind.

4
Proper names and definite descriptions

• Frege runs them together.
• Allows sense of proper names to vary among
  speakers.
• Usually taken to have used a description theory
  of proper names.
• Problem A A is informative (sometimes)

5
Sense without reference

• Frege says names have a sense but may lack a
  reference.
• Solves first two puzzles.
• Can use names obliquely to refer to their
  customary sense.
• This is his solution to opaque (seeks,
  believes) contexts.