The Number of Senses

Author: Klement K.C.

Source: Erkenntnis, Volume 58, Number 3, May 2003 , pp. 303-323(24)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Many philosophers still countenance senses or meanings in the broadly Fregean vein. However, it is difficult to posit the existence of senses without positing quite a lot of them, including at least one presenting every entity in existence. I discuss a number of Cantorian paradoxes that seem to result from an overly large metaphysics of senses, and various possible solutions. Certain more deflationary and non-traditional understandings of senses, and to what extent they fare better in solving the problems, are also discussed. In the end, it is concluded that one must divide senses into various ramified-orders in order to avoid antinomy, but that the philosophical justification of such orders is, as yet, still somewhat problematic.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Philosophy Department, 352 Bartlett Hall University of Massachusetts 130 Hicks Way Amherst, MA 01003-9269 U.S.A. E-mail: klement@philos.umass.edu

Publication date: 2003-05-01