Abstract

This paper deals with Evans' view on demonstrative thoughts, i.e., thoughts typically expressed using demonstratives such as 'this' or 'that.' As is well known, Evans defends against (so-called) the Direct Reference Theory the claim that singular terms have Fregean Senses, while contending that demonstrative thoughts (expressed using these terms) are object-dependent. Criticisms have been given to this two-sided contention of Evans', but they have not paid due attention to his subtle and detailed theory of demonstrative identification. In this paper I examine, through scrutinizing this theory of demonstrative identification, whether Evans' defense of his two-sided contention above is successful or not. I will conclude by arguing that it is not successful at least in establishing the object-dependency of demonstrative thoughts.