the rigid designation theory

The rigid designation theory, proposed by philosopher Saul Kripke, explains how proper names and certain terms refer to the same specific individual or object in all possible circumstances. In other words, a name like "Einstein" refers to the person Einstein, regardless of whether he is alive, fictional, or hypothetical. These names are "rigid" because they maintain their reference across all possible worlds (imaginative scenarios). This contrasts with descriptive terms, which may refer to different things depending on the context. The theory clarifies how we can reliably identify particular entities through their names, independent of descriptions or qualities.