Referring to the World: An Opinionated Introduction to the Theory of Reference

Referring to the World: An Opinionated Introduction to the Theory of Reference – Ebook Instant Download/Delivery ISBN(s): 9780197537350,0197537359,9780197537343, 0197537340

Product detail:

• ISBN 10: 0197537340
• ISBN 13: 9780197537343
• Author: Kenneth A. Taylor

Our words and ideas refer to objects and properties in the external world; this phenomenon is central to thought, language, communication, and science. But great works of fiction are full of names that don’t seem to refer to anything! In this book Kenneth A. Taylor explores the myriad of problems that surround the phenomenon of reference. How can words in language and perturbations in our brains come to stand for external objects? Reference is essential to truth, but which is more basic: reference or truth? How can fictional characters play such an important role in imagination and literature, and how does this use of language connect with more mundane uses? Taylor develops a framework for understanding reference, and the theories that other thinkers-past and present-have developed about it. But Taylor doesn’t simply tell us what others thought; the book is full of new ideas and analyses, making for a vital final contribution from a seminal philosopher.

Table of contents:

1. 1. The Mystery of Reference and Objective Representational Content
2. 2. Inner Fitness and Outer Cause: The Two Factors of Content
3. 3. Semantic Presentationalism and the Epistemic One-Sidedness of Reference
4. 4. Objectuality and Objectivity Again
5. 5. Kantian and Fregean Roots
6. 6. Closing Argument: Against the Semantic Priority of the Sentence
7. 7. Drainage as Predicativity
8. 8. Coreference Revisited
9. 9. Taking Stock
10. 10. Believing with Singular Purport in the Non-Existent
11. 11. Ascribing Belief in the Non-Existent Again

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