Pointing in One’s Mind: Object-Dependent Thoughts and the Semantics of Complex Demonstratives Cover Image

Wskazywanie w myślach. Myśli zależne od przedmiotu a semantyka złożonych wyrażeń wskazujących
Pointing in One’s Mind: Object-Dependent Thoughts and the Semantics of Complex Demonstratives

Author(s): Maciej Tarnowski
Subject(s): Special Branches of Philosophy
Published by: Uniwersytet Warszawski - Wydział Filozofii i Socjologii, Instytut Filozofii
Keywords: demonstratives; complex demonstratives; object-dependent thoughts; folk psychology; externalism; reference

Summary/Abstract: In this article, I investigate the relation between the concept of object-dependent thoughts (ODTs) and the semantics of complex demonstratives. I begin by showing that a strong syntactic version of ODTs proposed by Adams and colleagues suffers from problems similar to those plaguing several semantic theories (Richard 1993, Larson, Segal 1995). Next, I turn to Eros Corazza’s counterproposal of perspectival thoughts and investigate whether it can provide us with promised explanatory benefits. I conclude by formulating an alternative picture of ODTs based on Evans’ work and showing that it successfully handles the problems posed for semantics of complex demonstratives. In order to do this, I introduce and defend a view of individual perceptive concepts that may serve as a mental counterpart of demonstration.

  • Issue Year: 28/2020
  • Issue No: 1 (109)
  • Page Range: 85-110
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Polish