Meaning, Expression and Thought by Wayne A Davis

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Summary

This philosophical treatise on the foundations of semantics is a systematic effort to clarify, deepen and defend the classical doctrine that words are conventional signs of mental states, principally thoughts and ideas, and that meaning consists in their expression.

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Meaning, Expression and Thought by Wayne A Davis

This philosophical treatise on the foundations of semantics is a systematic effort to clarify, deepen and defend the classical doctrine that words are conventional signs of mental states, principally thoughts and ideas, and that meaning consists in their expression. This expression theory of meaning is developed by carrying out the Gricean programme, explaining what it is for words to have meaning in terms of speaker meaning, and what it is for a speaker to mean something in terms of intention. But Grice's own formulations are rejected and alternatives developed. The foundations of the expression theory are explored at length, and the author develops the theory of thought as a fundamental cognitive phenomenon distinct from belief and desire, argues for the thesis that thoughts have parts, and identifies ideas or concepts with parts of thoughts. This book will appeal to students and professionals interested in the philosophy of language.
In this important book, Davis argues strongly that the traditional view is substantially correct and that it can be developed in ways that avoid standard objectionsThis work displays impressive erudition and rigorous analysis of central questions in the philosophy of mind and language.... Highly recommended. Choice
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780521039048
ISBN 10 0521039045
Title Meaning, Expression and Thought
Author Wayne A Davis
Series Cambridge Studies In Philosophy
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Year published 2007-08-16
Number of pages 676
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.