Descriptive Names: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

In The Varieties of Reference , philosopher of language Gareth Evans argues that the semantic category of proper names includes non-Russellian singular terms, which can be meaningful when they have no referent because their meaning is that of their descriptive reference fixing stipulation, but which are nonetheless proper names. Several interpretations of descriptive names have been proffered as part of this debate. However, up until now a coherent overview has been absent, and it is unclear whether any of the solutions is able to solve all the problems, and what this would mean for Evan’s theory of descriptive names. Obtaining an overview of the debate and of how problems and solutions relate to one another is the main aim of this paper.