Coming to our Senses by Michael Devitt

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Summary

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. This important study will be of particular interest to philosophers of language and mind, and could be used in graduate-level seminars in these areas.

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Coming to our Senses by Michael Devitt

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.
'On the whole, this is a serious, realistic piece of applied philosophy, one that this particular much-polluted piece of the intellectual landscape can very well do with' Philosophy
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780521495431
ISBN 10 0521495431
Title Coming to our Senses
Author Michael Devitt
Series Cambridge Studies In Philosophy
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Hardback
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Year published 1995-10-27
Number of pages 352
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.