Semântica dos nomes próprios e identidade: uma análise comparativa entre Russell e Kripke

Abstract

Proper names play an essential role in communication and language, but their interpretation and functioning are not as straightforward as they may seem. In this work, we analyze semantic aspects of proper names in the philosophy of language, considering the reference theories proposed by Bertrand Russell and Saul Kripke. In On Denoting (1905), Russell presents a descriptivist approach in which proper names abbreviate definite descriptions to refer to something. On this occasion, we emphasize the issues related to the identity of names and how to ensure that they refer to a specific object. In contrast, Kripke proposes in his lectures titled Naming and Necessity (1972) a direct reference approach, where proper names are rigid designators that identify objects independently of circumstances. The author introduces the concept of possible worlds to evaluate the necessary properties of names. Our research aims to evaluate which of these theories offers the most satisfactory explanation for the issue of the identity of proper names. Therefore, we analyze the concepts that underlie Russell's theory of denotation and explore Kripke's criticisms of descriptivism. The work is divided into three main chapters: the first explores the descriptivist conception of proper names, highlighting singular terms, proper names, and the analysis of definite descriptions. The second chapter focuses on the concept of direct reference, examining proper names as rigid designators and investigating identity in the historical-chain theory. The third culminates in a comparative analysis between Russell and Kripke, addressing their main objections and responses. Throughout the discussion of reference theories, other possibilities for research on language and the use of proper names are proposed, as crucial questions remain open in both perspectives. The research ultimately highlights a promising idea, as pointed out by Zvolensky (2010), namely, incorporating the intentions of speakers and the context of sentences as an important element of the historical-chain theory. This analytical perspective, in dialogue with other authors, promises to open new avenues for future investigations in the philosophy of language.