Coming to our senses : a naturalistic program for semantic localism
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Coming to our senses : a naturalistic program for semantic localism
（Cambridge studies in philosophy / general editor, Ernest Sosa）
Cambridge University Press, c1996
- : hbk
- : pbk
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Note
Bibliography: p. 313-327
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Michael Devitt is a distinguished philosopher of language. In this 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.
Table of Contents
- 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.
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