McDowell and Identity Theories of Truth

Abstract

The main thesis of this paper is that John McDowell (in his "Mind and World") tries to occupy a position that is not coherently statable; namely, that facts have objects and properties as constituents and are yet identical with true (Fregean) Thoughts. This position is contrasted with two other identity theories of truth: the "robust" theory, in which true propositions are identified with facts (which are understood to have objects and properties as constituents); and the "modest theory", in which facts are identified with true Fregean Thoughts. I argue that the modest theory is to be preferred.