How To Count 2 Oranges

Abstract

abstract We address a puzzle about the meanings of fraction words, due to Nathan Salmon. Counting 2 oranges seemingly requires enumerating a collection of objects with a non-whole cardinal number, which is incoherent by the lights of traditional analyses of cardinality expressions. Thus, some argue that counting 2 oranges really amounts to measuring quantities of orange-stuff. However, we claim that ‘2 oranges’ is ambiguous between counting- and measuring-interpretations; and recognizing this affords a novel solution to Salmon’s puzzle that is consistent with traditional analyses.