Browse our books below. You can also search for books.
DEVITT, M., Coming to our Senses: Volume 0, Part 0. Cambridge University Press, 1996. 352p. Paperback. Series: Cambridge Studies in Philosophy. 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. (Publisher's information). € 41.26 (New) (Printed on Demand) (approx. delivery time: 4 weeks) ISBN: 9780521498876