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The existence entailments of definite descriptions

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Abstract

Contrary to a claim made by Kaplan (Mind 114:933–1003, 2005) and Neale (Mind 114:809–871, 2005), the readings available to sentences containing definite descriptions embedded under propositional attitude verbs and conditionals do pose a significant problem for the Russellian theory of definite descriptions. The Fregean theory of descriptions, on the other hand, deals easily with the relevant data.

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  1. Department of Linguistics, Queen Mary, University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK

    Paul Elbourne

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  1. Paul Elbourne
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Correspondence to Paul Elbourne.

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Elbourne, P. The existence entailments of definite descriptions. Linguist and Philos 33, 1–10 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10988-010-9072-3

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