This paper proposes a new pragmatic interpretation of the Frege–Geach problem and presents a possible solution using a model of ascriptive legal language. The first section includes the definition of the Frege–Geach problem. In the second section, I analyze the content of Geach’s critical argument against prescriptivism in ethics. I discuss what Geach means by ascriptivism, why he mixes it with prescriptivism, and why a particular article by Herbert Hart became the subject of criticism by Geach. The third section proposes a possible solution to the Frege–Geach problem based on the explication of the assertoric force of ascriptive legal utterances and the performativity of legal language.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-176
Number of pages10
JournalProblemos
Volume93
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

    Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy

    Research areas

  • Ascriptive language, Ascriptivism, Frege-Geach problem, Modus ponens

ID: 48883569