Deixis and Propositional Content

The logical-semantic function of deictic & referential expressions in a natural language is investigated, assessing the descriptive-explanatory adequacy of models proposed within the framework of neo-Fregean descriptivism & considering alternatives based on Bertrand Russell's (1919) notion of propositional content. It is pointed out that the failure of Fregean semantics to explain the logical-semantic operation of denotative utterances as deictics impedes the formulation of a viable account in neo-Fregean descriptivism of the functioning of referential expressions in linguistic uses with some degree of denotative ambiguity due to their dependence on context. The notion of proposition with which the neo-Fregean descriptivism operates needs to be modified along Russell's proposals. 15 References. Adapted from the source document