Abstract
In this chapter, I want to embark on the project of applying the theoretical machinery presented in the previous chapter to an analysis of the semantics and pragmatics of singular expressions. I’ll broadly be focusing on three questions:
Question 1: What contribution do singular expressions make to the truth conditions of utterances of sentences in which they appear and how do they make this contribution?
Question 2: What contribution do singular expressions make to the cognitive significance of utterances of sentences in which they appear and how do they make this contribution?
Question 3: What are the conditions for understanding singular expressions? What, in other words, has to be the case in order for us to want to say that a hearer has understood an utterance of a singular expression?
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Copyright information
© 2010 George Powell
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Powell, G. (2010). Proper Names. In: Language, Thought and Reference. Palgrave Studies in Pragmatics, Language and Cognition. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230274914_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230274914_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-30984-9
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-27491-4
eBook Packages: Palgrave Language & Linguistics CollectionEducation (R0)