How to Frege a Russell-Kaplan

Abstract

This paper studies the so-called direct reference (referential uses of definite descriptions, indexicals, demonstratives and proper names). it is argued that the generally accepted view on direct reference, as elaborated by kripke, kaplan et al, is mistaken. we distinguish two types of referential uses of descriptions and argue that what we call "literal referential use" of a definite description is a matter of semantics (utterance meaning) rather than pragmatics (speaker's meaning). we also study the semantics of indexicals and proper names, in terms of the concepts of a mode of individuation and information content. our general line is fregean in emphasizing the importance of epistemological consideration in the theory of meaning.