Some Remarks on the De Dicto and De Re Modalities

Abstract

The present paper deals with the philosophical issues born in relation with an analysis of the modal terms. It details the question of the nature of the de dicto modality and de re modality. The paper explains some misunderstandings around the distinction in question, presents an attempt at a translation of the de re modality into the de dicto modality, an attempt which some contemporary philosophers undertake, and critically evaluates this attempt. The paper presents also objections issued most often at the de re modality. Finally, we find here the direction of discussions on the character of modality carried out in classical philosophy of some sort in the point of distinguishing: de dicto − de re.