External Reference and Residual Magic
Abstract
Putnam famously criticizes the traditional theory of meaning and reference, and
argues that no internal configuration of a cognitive system is able to capture the intended
objects of linguistic reference. Indeed, a ‘magical connection’ between language and world
would be required for the traditional theory to work. Putnam attempts to replace the
magical dependencies assumed by the traditional theory with an externalist account based
on causal chains and direct access to the world. However, I argue that he does not carry the
exorcism far enough, and that his own theory assumes a literal and substantive
interpretation of reference which itself must be relinquished if his critique of the traditional
view is carried to its natural conclusion.
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