A semântica dos nomes próprios: descritivismo metalinguístico e designação rígida

Abstract

The thesis is inserted into a lengthy dispute in the philosophy of language around the semantics of referring expressions. In particular, it occupies with two issues: how to rec oncile the phenomenon of singular reference to the semantic openness that characterizes the proper names? Is possible to take the proper names as rigid designators de jure on a metalinguistic conception of its meaning ? We examine these issues in the light of two main programs i n philosophy of language concerning the semantics of proper names: the Fregean program and milliano program. However, it is assumed that these programs do not offer satisfactory and definitive answer to the questions mentioned. It is discussed the problem of the semantic value of proper names and the notion of rigid designation. It is argued that the name itself is an integral part of the linguistic system and open to multiple designations. Thus the value or also called semantic conten t of a proper name “N" is given by the description ”The actual bearer of 'N'". In this condition, the name itself means, with respect to every possible world, an individual "N" in the world actual. This expression is an objective property with the metalinguistic function or sem antic rule that guides and meet all natural referential uses of proper names. The singular referential use of these expressions resulting from the pragmatic communicative framework, therefore, is understood here as a phenomenon of speech act