Ebook: Reference

Foundations -- Subsequent developments -- The proper treatment of quantification -- Proper names -- Definite descriptions -- Plurals and generics -- Indexicality and pronouns -- Definiteness, strength, partitives, and referentiality -- NPs [Noun phrases] in discourse -- Taking stock.;This book presents the most important problems of reference and considers their solution. It presupposes no technical knowledge, presents analyses from first principles, illustrates every stage with examples, and is written with verve and clarity. This is the ideal introduction to reference for students of linguistics and philosophy of language.