'Nonexistent Objects and their Semantic and Ontological Dependence on Referential Acts'.  Topoi 2024, online first. publication link

Abstract: This paper argues for a distinction between fictional characters, as parts of intentionally created abstract artifacts, and intentional objects, as nonexistent objects generated by referential acts that fail to refer. Intentional objects are well-reflected in natural language, though in a highly restricted way, indicating their ontological dependence on referential acts. The paper elaborates how that ontological dependence can be understood.