Mediated reference theory: Difference between revisions

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== Bertrand Russell ==

[[Image:Direct reference.gif|thumb|Direct Reference]]

A paradigm example of aan direct referenceindirect theory of reference is that of philosopher [[Bertrand Russell]]. In his direct reference theory, Russell first distinguished between a "logical subject" and a "grammatical subject." The former is the thing in the real world - the [[Reference|referent]]; while the latter is a description or concept. He then claimed that in logic a "feeling for reality" had to be maintained in order to save discussion from a whole host of troubles. And since the logical subject was made up only of reference, tied together in strings by [[propositional functions]], in logic there was no meaning except reference.

Russell was also quite alive to the topic of descriptions. His particular interest was in "definite and indefinite descriptions." Definite descriptions have the form of "the such-and-such", and indefinite descriptions have the form of "a such-and-such". Russell then made a surprising argument: that "descriptions had meaning only if they were put into bigger statement(s)." This is because his method of translating sentences necessitated that they be rewritten in logical notation, and an isolated description cannot be effectively captured by any such notation.

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For Russell, this logical form would provide the speaker of a language with metaphysical insight as to what they are actually speaking about.

==See also==