Abstract

The new theories of reference, also known as «the causal theories of reference», provide an explanation of the relation between our language and the world. In the first part of the paper, after explaining what are the main features of such theories, the author analyzes in what sense causal relations between individuals, terms and objects might be relevant. The author rejects the claim that causality plays a central role in these theories. In the last part of the paper, the author focuses on how the new theories of reference are important in the interpretation of the law, specifically, regarding the requirement of causation in Criminal Law.