The New-Meaning Objection: A Reply to Nicolò D'Agruma
Michael Devitt1, Nicolas Porot2
1Graduate Center, City University of New York.
Cognitive Science
|January 26, 2025
Summary
This study defends a methodology for the reference of proper names against a "New-Meaning" objection. Further evidence supports the original rebuttal, reinforcing the methodology's validity.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Language
- Semantics
- Epistemology
Background:
- The paper addresses the
- New-Meaning
- objection to the methodology for the reference of proper names, initially presented in a 2018 publication.
- This objection challenges theoretical considerations and experimental results supporting the methodology.
Discussion:
- The current paper refutes Nicolò D'Agruma's argument against the theoretical underpinnings of the methodology.
- D'Agruma's argument, presented in 'Do the Gödel vignettes involve a new descriptivist meaning?', did not address the experimental evidence.
- The paper reaffirms the original rebuttal of the
- New-Meaning
- objection.
Key Insights:
- The methodology for the reference of proper names remains robust against the
- New-Meaning
- objection.
- Experimental evidence continues to support the methodology, independent of theoretical disputes.
- The refutation of D'Agruma's argument further strengthens the defense of the methodology.
Outlook:
- Further experimental and theoretical work may solidify the proposed methodology.
- The findings contribute to ongoing debates in the philosophy of language regarding meaning and reference.
- Continued investigation into descriptivist theories and their implications for proper names is warranted.
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