The metaphysicians of meaning

"Bertrand Russell and Gottlob Frege are universally acknowledged as the founding fathers of Analytic Philosophy. Russell's essay 'On Denoting' and Frege's 'On Sense and Reference' propose theories which are arguably their authors' most remarkable contributions to philosophy. Both remain at the forefront of contemporary discussion in philosophy of language and philosophical logic." "The Metaphysicians of Meaning takes a fresh look at these two seminal essays, challenging much of the accepted understanding of them. It forces us to reconsider their author's grounds for advancing them which, as Gideon Makin argues, have been generally misunderstood. Why did Russell and Frege abandon their former theories? What, in their views at the time, were the theoretical alternatives and reasons for adopting these new solutions? Even when these questions have been clearly distinguished they have received only partial answers." "The Metaphysicians of Meaning presents new insights into Russell and Frege and offers a new comparative discussion of their work. It will be essential reading for all students of philosophy of language and logic."--Jacket.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Philosophy. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.