Coming to Our Senses: A Naturalistic Program for Semantic Localism
Cambridge University Press (1996)
| Abstract | 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. | |||||||||
| Keywords | Semantics Semantics (Philosophy Holism | |||||||||
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| Buy the book | $41.43 new (18% off) $47.50 direct from Amazon (5% off) Amazon page | |||||||||
| Call number | P325.D47 1996 | |||||||||
| ISBN(s) | 0521498872 0521495431 9780521498876 | |||||||||
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