Quasi-Singular Propositions: The Semantics of Belief Reports

Abstract

T he Hidden Indexical Theory. When we report a belief about a particular object, we often implicitly indicate the way the believer thinks of that object. This is why two different beliefs can be reported by 'John believes that Cicero is an excellent writer' and 'John believes that Tully is an excellent writer'. One report can be true and the other false, even though 'Cicero' and 'Tully' refer to the same person. To account for this fact, it is natural to assume that the names 'Cicero' and 'Tully' are somehow associated with different 'modes of presentation' of the individual they both refer to.