On Denoting Descriptions Paul Dekker ILLC / UVA, Department of Philosophy In this paper we apply the notion of information employed in systems of dynamic semantics in an analysis of the referential interpretation of definite descriptions, and the specific interpretation of indefinite ones. We combine a Russellian treatment of these descriptions with a dynamic semantic notion of a discourse referent, and this allows pragmatically available information to combine with the semantics of these phrases to yield a referential or specific reading.