Chalmers and Semantics

Abstract

David Chalmers' two-dimensionalism is an ambitious philosophical program that aims to ground or construct Fregean meanings and restore “the golden triangle” of apriority, necessity, and meaning that Kripke seemingly broke. This paper aims to examine critically what Chalmers' theory can in reality achieve. It is argued that the theory faces severe challenges. There are some gaps in the overall arguments, and the reasoning is in some places somewhat circular. Chalmers' theory is effectively founded on certain strong philosophical assumptions. It is concluded that it is unclear whether the theory can deliver all it promises.