5 De Dicto Vs De Re Tips

The distinction between de dicto and de re is a fundamental concept in philosophy, particularly in the areas of linguistics, epistemology, and metaphysics. Understanding this distinction is crucial for rigorous philosophical inquiry and for avoiding common pitfalls in reasoning and argumentation. De dicto and de re refer to two different ways of attributing properties or making statements about objects, with de dicto attributions being about the content of statements or beliefs, and de re attributions being about the objects themselves. Here are five tips to help clarify the de dicto vs de re distinction:

1. Understand the Definitions:

   • De Dicto: This Latin phrase translates to “of the word” or “of the statement.” De dicto attributions concern the content of statements, beliefs, or linguistic expressions themselves. They are about what is said or believed, focusing on the predicates or properties ascribed within the scope of a particular sentence or proposition. For example, saying “John believes that the president of the United States is a Democrat” is a de dicto statement because it describes John’s belief about who or what the president is.
   • De Re: Meaning “of the thing” in Latin, de re attributions concern the objects or things themselves, independently of any particular statement or belief about them. These attributions involve properties or predicates that apply directly to the objects in question, regardless of what is said or believed about them. For instance, saying “The president of the United States is a Democrat” is a de re statement because it directly attributes a property (being a Democrat) to the object (the president), without referencing anyone’s belief about it.

2. Recognize the Contextual Dependency of De Dicto:

   • De dicto statements are inherently dependent on the context in which they are made. The truth of a de dicto statement can change based on the believer’s knowledge, the language used, or the specific proposition being considered. This contextuality is key to understanding why de dicto statements often lead to discussions about belief, knowledge, and linguistic meaning. For example, if John believes the bank will be open on Saturday, but actually, it won’t, the de dicto statement “John believes the bank is open on Saturday” can still be true, even though the bank is closed, because it reflects John’s belief accurately.

3. Appreciate the Objectivity of De Re:

   • De re statements, on the other hand, aim to describe the world independently of what anyone believes about it. These statements are about the objective properties of objects or the state of affairs in the world. The truth of a de re statement does not depend on anyone’s beliefs or statements but rather on the way things actually are. Thus, de re attributions are crucial for making objective claims about reality. For instance, saying “The Eiffel Tower is in Paris” is a de re statement that attributes a location to the Eiffel Tower regardless of anyone’s beliefs about where it is located.

4. Be Aware of the Quasi-Intensional Contexts:

   • Certain constructions, like “believes that,” “wants,” or “seeks,” can create quasi-intensional contexts, where the distinction between de dicto and de re can become blurred. In these contexts, the attribution might seem to be about the object directly (de re), but it actually depends on the description or belief (de dicto). Recognizing these contexts is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings in philosophical and everyday discussions. For example, “John is looking for a unicorn” might seem like a de re statement about John’s action, but it’s actually de dicto because it’s about John’s belief or concept of what he is looking for, not about an actual unicorn.

5. Consider the Implications for Epistemology and Metaphysics:

   • The de dicto vs de re distinction has profound implications for how we understand knowledge (epistemology) and reality (metaphysics). It highlights the difference between knowing or believing something about a description (de dicto) and knowing or believing something about the thing itself (de re). This distinction is particularly relevant in discussions about perception, reference, and the nature of reality. For instance, the question of whether we can have de re knowledge (knowledge of things as they are, independently of our beliefs or descriptions) is a central concern in epistemology, with implications for how we understand truth, objectivity, and the limits of human knowledge.

By mastering the distinction between de dicto and de re, philosophers and thinkers can refine their arguments, avoid misunderstandings, and delve deeper into the complexities of language, belief, and reality. Understanding these concepts is essential for rigorous philosophical inquiry and for navigating the intricate relationships between language, thought, and the world.