Coming to Our Senses

A Naturalistic Program for Semantic Localism
Erscheinungsjahr 2007
ISBN: 978-0-521-49887-6
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 352 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 497 g

Reihe: Cambridge Studies in Philosophy

Michael Devitt is a distinguished philosopher of language. In this new book he takes up one of the most important difficulties that must be faced by philosophical semantics: namely, the threat posed by holism. Three important questions lie at the core of this book: what are the main objectives of semantics; why are they worthwhile; how should we accomplish them? Devitt answers these 'methodological' questions naturalistically and explores what semantic programme arises from the answers. The approach is anti-Cartesian, rejecting the idea that linguistic or conceptual competence yields any privileged access to meanings. This new methodology is used first against holism. Devitt argues for a truth-referential localism, and in the process rejects direct-reference, two-factor, and verificationist theories. The book concludes by arguing against revisionism, eliminativism, and the idea that we should ascribe narrow meanings to explain behaviour.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Devitt, Michael

Sosa, Ernest

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Moderne Philosophische Disziplinen Analytische Philosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Sprachphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Sprachwissenschaften Sprachphilosophie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction; 1. A critique of the case for semantic holism; 2. The methodology of naturalistic semantics; 3. A case for semantic localism; 4. Meanings and their ascription; 5. Eliminativism and revisionism.