Demonstrative Utterances

A demonstrative utterance is a referring term, eg, this & that, followed by a demonstrative noun phrase, & indexicals, accompanied by a relevant, associated demonstration that selects the referent of the demonstrative. Here, the formulation of a demonstrative use of a singular denoting phrase is examined, & the phenomenology of intending to demonstrate something is considered. An analysis of demonstrations examines the relationships between a demonstration; the object referred to in the sentence, & the denoting part contained in it; the speaker; his intentions; & the hearer. An analysis of demonstrations consists of stating the set of conditions under which a speaker is correctly said to have produced a demonstrative utterance. The analysis of demonstrative utterances, combined with a theory of deferred ostensive references, introduces a large class of utterances & their accompanying relevant gestures. Issues to be explored are noted. J. Mayberry