Coates, Richard (2006) Singular definite expressions with a unique denotatum and the limits of properhood. Linguistics, 38 (6). pp. 1161-1174. ISSN 0024-3949

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Abstract

The issue addressed is that of whether singular definite expressions with unique denotata, e.g. the zodiac, are proper names or not. These are analyzed as special cases of a class of expressions ambiguous between a proper and a common meaning, e.g. the w/West b/Bank. The ambiguity of this type is held to be a function of different modes of reference, grounded in different intentions of the speaker or hearer: onomastic reference, i.e. intension-free; or semantic reference, i.e. reference mediated by word meaning in the standard way. Under different intentions, therefore, the expressions in question are either proper or common. Properhood is therefore a function of the former type of reference, and not a structural category. A problem in the philosophy of science that this view provokes is addressed.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of English > Sussex Centre for Language Studies
Depositing User:	Richard Coates
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2012 10:04
Last Modified:	01 Aug 2012 09:04
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/38063

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