Reference change: an enduring puzzle

Abstract

Abstract I set up a puzzling contrast using two well-known cases: Evans’ (1973) case of Madagascar and Kripke’s (1977) Leaf Raking case. Despite their apparent similarity, only the former has traditionally been thought to involve reference change. However, it’s not clear why this is so. I survey a number of influential and contemporary accounts that fail to explain the contrast in a satisfactory way. The challenge posed by cases of reference change therefore endures. Interestingly, the challenge endures for proponents of Kripke’s well-known causal picture of reference fixing, as well as for proponents of Evans’ accounts which were attempts to improve upon that picture. After drawing some lessons, I briefly sketch a positive path forward.