What Is Meaning? by Scott Soames (English) Paperback Book

Description: What Is Meaning? by Scott Soames The tradition descending from Frege and Russell has typically treated theories of meaning either as theories of meanings (propositions expressed), or as theories of truth conditions. However, propositions of the classical sort dont exist, and truth conditions cant provide all the information required by a theory of meaning. In this book, one of t FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description The tradition descending from Frege and Russell has typically treated theories of meaning either as theories of meanings (propositions expressed), or as theories of truth conditions. However, propositions of the classical sort dont exist, and truth conditions cant provide all the information required by a theory of meaning. In this book, one of the worlds leading philosophers of language offers a way out of this dilemma. Traditionally conceived, propositions are denizens of a "third realm" beyond mind and matter, "grasped" by mysterious Platonic intuition. As conceived here, they are cognitive-event types in which agents predicate properties and relations of things--in using language, in perception, and in nonlinguistic thought. Because of this, ones acquaintance with, and knowledge of, propositions is acquaintance with, and knowledge of, events of ones cognitive life. This view also solves the problem of "the unity of the proposition" by explaining how propositions can be genuinely representational, and therefore bearers of truth. The problem, in the traditional conception, is that sentences, utterances, and mental states are representational because of the relations they bear to inherently representational Platonic complexes of universals and particulars. Since we have no way of understanding how such structures can be representational, independent of interpretations placed on them by agents, the problem is unsolvable when so conceived. However, when propositions are taken to be cognitive-event types, the order of explanation is reversed and a natural solution emerges. Propositions are representational because they are constitutively related to inherently representational cognitive acts. Strikingly original, What Is Meaning? is a major advance. Back Cover "This is a highly original book from a major figure in the philosophy of language. Scott Soames approaches classic problems about intentionality and the unity of the proposition in a new way. The writing and argumentation are admirably clear and straightforward, and there are careful historical discussions. This book makes an important contribution." --Robert Stalnaker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "In this short book, Scott Soames makes a major contribution to the general theory of meaning. Along the way he provides a beautiful, concise critical account of several previous attempts to formulate such a theory. What Is Meaning? will be required reading for serious researchers in philosophical and linguistic semantics. It will also serve as a brief introduction to the theory of meaning for students in both fields." --Gilbert Harman, Princeton University Flap "This is a highly original book from a major figure in the philosophy of language. Scott Soames approaches classic problems about intentionality and the unity of the proposition in a new way. The writing and argumentation are admirably clear and straightforward, and there are careful historical discussions. This book makes an important contribution."--Robert Stalnaker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "In this short book, Scott Soames makes a major contribution to the general theory of meaning. Along the way he provides a beautiful, concise critical account of several previous attempts to formulate such a theory. What Is Meaning? will be required reading for serious researchers in philosophical and linguistic semantics. It will also serve as a brief introduction to the theory of meaning for students in both fields."--Gilbert Harman, Princeton University Author Biography Scott Soames is professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. His books include Philosophy of Language, Philosophical Essays, Reference and Description, and Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century (all Princeton). Table of Contents Acknowledgments ix Chapter 1: Meanings 1 Chapter 2: Frege and Russell: The Real Problem of "the Unity of the Proposition" 11 Chapter 3: Why Truth Conditions Are Not Enough 33 Chapter 4: Propositions and Attitudes: Davidsons Challenge and Russells Neglected Insight 49 Chapter 5: Toward a Theory of Propositions: A Deflationary Account 69 Chapter 6: The Cognitive-Realist Theory of Propositions 99 Chapter 7: Expanding the Cognitive-Realist Model 109 Index 131 Review "This is an outstanding book, probably the best philosophy book I have read this year... The book will not only be of great importance to professional philosophers and linguists but it will also be an accessible and invaluable asset to students."--Anthony Everett, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "Derived from three lectures at Soochow University, Taipei, this book retains the relatively informal style that must have made those lectures both enjoyable and highly informative."--Choice "Soamess excellent book will drive research on this important topic for some time to come."--Brian Ball, Canadian Journal of Philosophy "Scott Soames new book, What Is Meaning?, is an important book, both in the issues it raises and in its shortcomings. It is the first serious discussion of meaning (not semantic content or some other term designed to sidestep the real issue) by a leading analytic philosopher of language in a long while, and its findings lead to a more realistic understanding of meaning and language."--Sergeiy Sandler, European Legacy Long Description The tradition descending from Frege and Russell has typically treated theories of meaning either as theories of meanings (propositions expressed), or as theories of truth conditions. However, propositions of the classical sort dont exist, and truth conditions cant provide all the information required by a theory of meaning. In this book, one of the worlds leading philosophers of language offers a way out of this dilemma.Traditionally conceived, propositions are denizens of a "third realm" beyond mind and matter, "grasped" by mysterious Platonic intuition. As conceived here, they are cognitive-event types in which agents predicate properties and relations of things--in using language, in perception, and in nonlinguistic thought. Because of this, ones acquaintance with, and knowledge of, propositions is acquaintance with, and knowledge of, events of ones cognitive life. This view also solves the problem of "the unity of the proposition" by explaining how propositions can be genuinely representational, and therefore bearers of truth. The problem, in the traditional conception, is that sentences, utterances, and mental states are representational because of the relations they bear to inherently representational Platonic complexes of universals and particulars. Since we have no way of understanding how such structures can be representational, independent of interpretations placed on them by agents, the problem is unsolvable when so conceived. However, when propositions are taken to be cognitive-event types, the order of explanation is reversed and a natural solution emerges. Propositions are representational because they are constitutively related to inherently representational cognitive acts.Strikingly original, What Is Meaning? is a major advance. Review Quote This is an outstanding book, probably the best philosophy book I have read this year. . . . The book will not only be of great importance to professional philosophers and linguists but it will also be an accessible and invaluable asset to students. ---Anthony Everett, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Details ISBN0691156395 Author Scott Soames Pages 144 Series Soochow University Lectures in Philosophy Year 2012 ISBN-10 0691156395 ISBN-13 9780691156392 Format Paperback Imprint Princeton University Press Place of Publication New Jersey Country of Publication United States Illustrations 30 line illus. DEWEY 121.68 Publisher Princeton University Press Short Title WHAT IS MEANING Language English Media Book Residence NJ, US Translated from English UK Release Date 2012-10-28 Publication Date 2012-10-28 NZ Release Date 2012-10-28 US Release Date 2012-10-28 Alternative 9780691146409 Audience Tertiary & Higher Education AU Release Date 2013-01-06 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:161696382;

Price: 57.1 AUD

Location: Melbourne

End Time: 2025-01-01T03:23:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: 1.98 AUD