Abstract A distinctive and widely recognized feature of proper names is that, unlike other words, names can be used across languages without modification. Yet, this feature of names—the prevalence and acceptability of their ‘cross‐linguistic’ uses—has been mostly overlooked within philosophy. This article highlights the theoretical importance of the cross‐linguistic uses of names in the debate concerning their syntax and semantics. It identifies an anomalous phonological feature of names in their cross‐linguistic uses and argues that the source of the anomaly is the widespread view that proper names are syntactically simple. It also argues that such uses provide evidence for the syntactic view that the phonological articulation of a name is mentioned and not used in the syntax—a view that is consistent with some but not all semantic views of names. By examining the hitherto overlooked cross‐linguistic uses of names, this article provides new evidence in favour of a certain variety of metalinguistic views concerning the syntax and semantics of names.

Nikhil Mahant

Theoria

Since its foundation in 1935, Theoria publishes research in all areas of philosophy. Theoria is committed to precision and clarity in philosophical discussions, and encourages cooperation between philosophy and other disciplines. The journal is not affiliated with any particular school or faction. Instead, it promotes dialogues between different philosophical viewpoints. Theoria is peer-reviewed. It publishes articles, reviews, and shorter notes and discussions. Short discussion notes on recent articles in Theoria are welcome.

Since its establishment in 1935, Theoria (Spain) has been dedicated to research in all areas of philosophy. The journal emphasizes precision and clarity in philosophical discussions and encourages collaboration between philosophy and other disciplines. Theoria is not affiliated with any particular school or faction; instead, it fosters dialogue between different philosophical viewpoints. The journal is peer-reviewed and publishes articles, reviews, and shorter notes and discussions. Short discussion notes on recent articles in Theoria are welcome.

《Theoria（西班牙）》自1935年创刊以来，致力于哲学各领域的研究。该期刊强调哲学讨论的精确性和清晰性，鼓励哲学与其他学科之间的合作。《Theoria》不隶属于任何特定的学派或派系，而是促进不同哲学观点之间的对话。该期刊经过同行评审，发表文章、书评以及简短的笔记和讨论。欢迎对《Theoria》近期文章的简短讨论笔记。

Category	Quartile
哲学	4
哲学, 科学史与科学哲学	4

The cross‐linguistic uses of proper names

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE	2