Paper topics


  1. Explain why identity statements are puzzling and the various ways we have investigated for solving the puzzle(s). (Frege, Russell, Kripke)
  2. Explain Frege’s notions of sense and reference. Make sure you include his theory about direct and indirect discourse and how names or expressions have an ordinary reference in direct discourse and refer to their ordinary sense in indirect discourse
  3. Explain the differences between Frege and Russell on referring or denoting expressions
  4. Explain how Russell solves the three puzzles near the end of his paper
  5. Explain Donnellan's critique of Russell
  6. Explain Russell’s theory of definite descriptions (or the description theory of names) and Kripke’s reasons (you don’t have to present all of them) for rejecting the theory as a theory of names
  7. Explain the distinction between a theory of meaning and a theory of referring (Kripke)
  8. Explain Kripke’s notion of a rigid designator and how this allows for a metaphysics of modality (e.g. how it allows us to say that necessarily Cicero is Tully)
  9. Explain how Kripke extends his notion of rigid designation to natural kinds terms and how this allows for a posteriori necessities. (This is in Lecture 3)
  10. Explain Kripke’s argument that pain cannot be identical with C-fibers firing.  That is, that mental states cannot be identical with brain states. (This is in Lecture 3)
  11. Explain how the theory of definite descriptions and rigid designation provide insights into whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God.
  12. Explain how issues in the philosophy of language can help explain the badness of blasphemy (I will forward the paper to you)
  13. Explain how issues in the philosophy of language can help us in thinking about the coherence of the Trinity (you can use either the paper by Peter van Inwagen or the one by Brian Leftow; the one by Leftow is easier)
  14. Argue against one of the views we have considered thus far. 
  15. Wrtie about whatever topic interests you but run it by me first

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