Attitudinal Objects and Referential Interpretation for Performative Utterances

Abstract The present paper explores resources provided by ontology of satisfiable objects (an ontologico-semantic framework proposed by F. Moltmann) for development of a referential analysis of performative utterances. In order to position ontology of satisfiable (including attitudinal and modal) objects among other ontological options for theories of meaning, I compare it to ontology of propositions and ontology of acts and events. Then I address the notion of performative utterances and its ontological background in Austin, as well as assertion-oriented accounts of performative utterances, contending with the initial Austinian account. I put forward the hypothesis that adoption of satisfiable objects ontology is a way to an integrative vision of truth and felicity of performative utterances. I discuss the logical form ascribed to performative utterances by Moltmann and then outline my proposal for their analysis within the framework of ontology of satisfiable objects.