Frege's Theory of Sense and Reference: Its Origins and Scope

Frege's Theory of Sense and Reference: Its Origins and Scope is a detailed exploration of one of the most influential concepts in the philosophy of language, developed by the German logician and philosopher Gottlob Frege. This work examines Frege's seminal distinction between "sense" (Sinn) and "reference" (Bedeutung), a foundational theory that addresses how linguistic expressions connect to the objects they denote and the meanings they convey.

The text traces the historical development of Frege’s ideas, situating them within the context of 19th-century philosophy and mathematics. It explores how Frege’s insights into the semantics of language laid the groundwork for modern logic and analytic philosophy, influencing figures such as Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Key topics include the nature of proper names, the informativeness of identity statements, and the challenges posed by indirect speech and propositional attitudes.

This book is essential for students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of Frege’s revolutionary contributions to the philosophy of language, logic, and mathematics. It provides a thorough analysis of the origins and implications of his theory, highlighting its enduring relevance to contemporary debates in semantics and epistemology.

Product Details:

• ISBN: 0521398169
• EAN: 9780521398169
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Binding: Paperback
• Copyright Date: 1994
• Pub Date: November 25, 1994
• Physical Info: 1.68 cms H x 21.51 cms L x 14.0 cms W (0.29 kgs), 232 pages