The Semantic Relationistic Approach to Generalized Fregean Puzzles

Abstract

Semantic relationism is a methodology proposed by Kit Fine for solving the antinomy of variables. Fine proposed the relational semantics for first-order logic, which can be used to solve Frege’s puzzle of names. In this paper, I generalize Frege’s puzzle to other linguistic expressions, including definite descriptions, predicates, quantifiers and modalities. I then apply Fine’s semantic relationistic approach to these puzzles.

Keywords

semantic relationism / Frege’s puzzle / semantic antinomy

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2014 Higher Education Press and Brill