The Millian Theory of Names and the Problems of Negative Existentials and Non-Referring Names

Abstract

A theory of the meaning of proper names must provide an answer to this question: “what kinds of propositions are typically expressed by uses of sentences which contain proper names?” There are two major types of theories of the meaning of proper names: Millian and Fregean. The Millian Theory (type) entails that typical uses of sentences which contain proper names express singular propositions; singular propositions have individuals — rocks, chairs, planets, and persons — as well as qualities or relations as constituents. The Fregean Theory (type) entails that such uses express qualitative propositions; qualitative propositions have qualities or relations, but not individuals, as constituents. Each theory (type) has its apparent successes and failures, and, often, what is regarded as one’s failure is viewed as its rival’s success.