Vergauwen, A Metalogical Theory of Reference, Introduction, §12

by Corry Shores
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Roger Vergauwen

A Metalogical Theory of Reference: Realism and Essentialism in Semantics

Introduction: the Temperature of a Hot Topic

§12 Vergauwen's Metalogical Solution

Vergauwen offers a metalogical theory as an alternative to such other semantic theories as Dummett's intuitionistic-constructivistic semantics. This metalogical theory can help us understand the problem of belief attribution and the Pierre problem. Also it solves the problem of essentialism, which "supposes that objects and individuals possess necessary properties." It is related to the problem of Transworld Individuals in possible world semantics. Vergauwen will defend a form of essentialism called omega essentialism. It allows us to regard essences as necessary properties. And it argues that Transworld Individuals exist.

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Vergauwen, Roger. A Metalogical Theory of Reference: Realism and Essentialism in Semantics. London: University Press of America, 1993.