Third Paper Topics

• Option 1: Write a 3–6 page paper, answering one of the questions below. Paper is due May 15^th. You may only choose this option if you have already written a second paper of the same length.
• Option 2: Write a 9–12 page paper, answering either one of the following questions or one of the questions from the second paper assignment. Paper is due on May 15^th. If you have not already written a second paper, then you must choose this option. If you choose this option, you should feel free to expand the focus of the question you answer or to combine related questions if you appropriate scope for a longer paper.

1. How would the propositional concepts (matrices) associated with utterances of the sentences (i) "The meeting starts at noon," and (ii) "The meeting starts now," differ given Stalnaker's account in his article "Assertion"? (Here you should say what the matrices are in each case, working with simplified assumptions, on the model of Stalnaker's example of Daniels and O'Leary, or the example presented in class concerning "I am here now.")

   Could this difference be used to solve Perry's problem of the essential indexical (in the case of the tardy professor)? If so, how (and would the solution generalize to the other cases)? If not, why not?

   Be sure to say here what the problem of the essential indexical is, and what would count as "solving" it. (Who or what is the problem a problem for?)

   You may wish to (but don't at all have to) consult Perry's (1977) article called "Frege on Demonstratives" in the journal Philosophical Review volume 86 (1977). Another thing to look at here (for those who like research) could be Stalnaker's 1981 article "Indexical Belief" from the journal Synthese, volume 49.

2. Explain as clearly as possible and in your own words why Perry thinks that appeal to relativized propositions will not solve the problem of the essential indexical. (Be sure to say here what the problem of the essential indexical is, and what would count as "solving" it. (Who or what is the problem a problem for?))

   Do you agree with his reasons? If so, why? If not, why not? Do you think that relativized propositions might help in some cases but not others?

   Again, you may wish to (but don't at all have to) consult Perry's (1977) article "Frege on Demonstratives" in the journal Philosophical Review volume 86 (1977).

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