Abstract
Like ‘&’, ‘=’ is no term; it represents
no extrasentential property. It marks
an atomic, nonpredicative, declarative
structure, sentences true solely
by codesignation. Identity (its necessity
and total reflexivity, its
substitution rule, its metaphysical
vacuity) is the objectual face of
codesignation. The syntax demands
pure reference, without
predicative import for the asserted
fact. ‘Twain is Clemens’ is about
Twain, but nothing is predicated of
him. Its informational value is in its
‘metailed’ semantic content: the fact
of codesignation (that ‘Twain’
names Clemens) that explains what
fact it asserts and why it is necessary.
Critques of concepts of rigidity and
elimination of singular terms result.