Before and After Donnellan-- An Example of A Philosophical Study of Language

The topic might indicate what kind of theme will be considered in this paper. I would like to do three things. First, to brief a historical development of the perblem of definite descriptions, beginning from 1905, Russell’s paper, through 1950, Strawson’s rejection of Russell’s theory, and 1966, Donnellan’s theory of referential use and attributive use, to 1977, Kripke’s criticism of Donnellan’s theory. Secondly, to do some critical study of Donnellan’s theory. And finally, taking the above account as an example to show that a philosophical study of language is an important method of philosophy as well as one main philosophy in the modern time.