Impossibility of Infinite Regress of Sinns on Propositional Attitudes in Frege's theory of Meaning

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.A. in Philosohy of Logic, Department of Philosophy, Tarbiat Modares University;

2 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract

In his theory of meaning, Frege introduces sinn (=sense) as mode of presentation of bedeutung (=referent). Since, in propositional attitudes, ordinary sinn, according to Frege, is itself a bedeutung, there is another sinn, called “indirect sense”, in which the mode of presentation of ordinary sinn is contained. Now in nested propositional attitudes the relation between sinn and bedeutung leads to infinite regress which is not acceptable in a theory of meaning. In the present article, we have examined this regress and concluded that Frege’s theory needs to be amended and that the infinite regress does not arise as a result of such amendment.

Keywords

References

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Philosophy and Kalam
Volume 53, Issue 1
June 2020
Pages 109-128

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