Abstract

The paper reports on experiments testing the theory of reference for implement terms. According to the description theory, competent speakers must associate with an implement term a description of the referent’s function and, probably, the physical properties that enable it to perform its function. We tested this theory on t ‘fax machine’ and ‘abacus’, using the method of truth value judgments. Our experimental results count decisively against the Description Theory. We conclude, by inference to the best explanation, that the reference of these terms can be borrowed. Our results are inconsistent even with the descriptive-causal theory of borrowing, according to which these terms can be borrowed only if the borrower associates at least some accurate description of the referent. We conclude that the terms are covered by a pure causal-historical theory of borrowing, the central idea of the picture of reference presented by Kripke, Putnam, and other causal theorists in discussing proper names and “natural” kind terms. We emphasize that our findings do not support a causal theory of the initial reference fixing by the “experts” who introduce an implement term. Indeed, we think it highly plausible that reference is initially fixed by a description of the implement’s function and defining physical characteristics. If so, then implement terms are covered by a hybrid theory of reference, causal borrowing and descriptive fixing.

Key Words

implement terms; description theory of reference; causal-historical reference borrowing; descriptive-causal reference borrowing; causal reference fixing; descriptive reference fixing