Putnam’s Model-Theoretic Argument Reconstructed

Abstract

Among those addressed by Putnam’s model-theoretic argument it is common opinion that the argument is invalid because question-begging. If the standard analysis of the argument is along the right lines, then what has been called the ‘just more theory move’ is to be held responsible for this. In the present paper, an alternative reading of Putnam’s argument is offered that makes the ‘just more theory move’ come out perfectly legitimate, and the argument as a whole valid.