Gareth Evans argued in 'The Varieties of Reference' that genuine singular thought requires a robust information-preserving causal link to the object itself, not merely to its sensory effects.

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Causal link(as used in metaphysics): A direct connection where one thing (the cause) brings about or produces another thing (the effect).
Gareth Evans(as the author being cited): A British philosopher (1946-1980) who made important contributions to the study of language and thought, particularly about how we refer to things in the world.
Information-preserving(describing the type of causal link required): Something that keeps or maintains the identifying details about something intact as it travels or changes, so you don't lose track of what you're actually thinking about.
Sensory effects(what Evans argues is NOT enough for genuine singular thought): The impressions that reach your senses (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) when something happens, rather than the actual object or cause itself.
Singular thought(the main concept being defined): A thought that is about one specific thing or person (like thinking about your friend Maria) rather than a general category (like thinking about friendship in general).
The Varieties of Reference(as the work being discussed): A major philosophical book by Gareth Evans that explores the different ways we can talk about or point to things—like using names, descriptions, or words like 'I' and 'here.'

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