Intension

Definition

Intension refers to the inherent qualities or attributes that a concept or term expresses, distinguishing it from other terms based on its meaning. It is a crucial aspect in understanding how we assign significance to names and terms, particularly in the realm of semantics and philosophy of language, where it contrasts with extension, the actual entities a term refers to.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intension plays a key role in Kripke's critique of descriptive theories of names by highlighting that names do not solely rely on their intension for reference.
2. Kripke argues that names can have rigid designators, meaning they refer to the same object in all possible worlds, which challenges traditional views on intension.
3. In contrast to extension, which focuses on what a term applies to, intension is about the meaning or concept associated with the term itself.
4. The distinction between intension and extension is central to discussions of modal logic and necessity, particularly in how we understand statements about possibility and necessity.
5. Understanding intension helps clarify debates around identity and reference, especially regarding how terms relate to objects across different contexts.

Review Questions

• How does intension differ from extension in the context of Kripke's theories?
  • Intension and extension serve as two foundational concepts in understanding semantics. Intension deals with the inherent meanings and qualities of terms, while extension relates to the actual objects those terms refer to. In Kripke's work, he emphasizes that names can maintain their reference through rigid designators regardless of their intensional meanings. This distinction challenges traditional views that see reference as solely dependent on descriptive qualities.
• What role does intension play in Kripke's critique of descriptive theories of names?
  • In critiquing descriptive theories of names, Kripke highlights that these theories rely too heavily on intension by asserting that a name's meaning is tied to descriptions. He argues that names can refer directly to objects without needing descriptive content, showcasing cases where two names may share similar intensions yet refer to different entities. This insight demonstrates that intension alone cannot determine reference, leading to a more nuanced understanding of how language operates.
• Evaluate the implications of distinguishing between intension and extension for our understanding of modal logic and necessity.
  • Distinguishing between intension and extension has significant implications for modal logic and necessity. By recognizing that intensions define how we understand terms across possible worlds while extensions relate to actual objects, we gain deeper insights into necessity versus possibility. For instance, statements about what could exist in alternate scenarios rely on understanding intensions without being constrained by extensions. This distinction reshapes our approach to philosophical discussions regarding identity and possible worlds, reinforcing the complexity of language and thought.

Related terms

extension: Extension is the set of all objects or entities that a term or concept refers to in the real world, focusing on what the term applies to rather than its meaning.

reference: Reference is the relationship between a linguistic expression and the actual object or concept it denotes, linking language to the world.

descriptive theory of names: The descriptive theory of names posits that a name's meaning is based on the descriptions associated with it, which contribute to its intension.