Metasemantics studies the foundations of meaning, asking what makes it the case that certain words have the meanings that they do. But what makes metasemantic theories true? This question has been all but ignored in philosophy of language. In this book, Cohnitz and Haukioja address this issue and argue that just as in metasemantics, both internalist and externalist answers are available for this foundational question.
The authors introduce and defend meta-internalism, arguing that the foundations of reference and meaning are anchored in the individual dispositions and psychological states of language users, offering an alternative to meta-externalist views that would appeal to broader community-based or otherwise external factors. Meta-internalism is, moreover, compatible with semantic externalism as usually understood, and provides an explanation of why externalism is true. Through a critical examination of prominent theories and thought experiments, the book explores fundamental issues like reference failure, conceptual engineering, and the metaphysical implications of reference, as well as the methodology of theories of reference.
With its focus on the foundations of metasemantics, the book provides a fresh and empirically informed perspective on one of the core questions in the philosophy of language. Foundations for Metasemantics is essential reading for philosophers, scholars, and students seeking to understand the underlying principles that support our theories of meaning and reference.
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This book explores the foundations behind how language works, specifically focusing on how words connect to things in the world. With clear examples and thought experiments, it offers a fresh look at a key issue in the philosophy of language. It's ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of how we use language to communicate.
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1: Introduction
2: Meta-Externalism and Meta-Internalism
3: Examples of Meta-Internalism and Meta-Externalism
4: Against Meta-Externalism
5: Dispositionalist Meta-Internalism
6: Intuitions
7: Methodological Consequences for Philosophy of Language
8: Reference Failure, Reference Change, and Conceptual Engineering
9: Consequences for Metaphysics
10: Conclusion
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Daniel Cohnitz holds the chair for theoretical philosophy at Utrecht University. Cohnitz studied philosophy, German literature and language, and history at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. In 2005 he defended his dissertation on Thought Experiments in Philosophy (Gedankenexperimente in der Philosophie) at Düsseldorf. From 2006 to 2015 he was professor of theoretical philosophy at the University of Tartu in Estonia. Since January
2016 he is professor of theoretical philosophy in Utrecht. His research interests include metaphilosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, language, mathematics, and logic, and related areas of philosophy and
cognitive science.
Jussi Haukioja is professor of philosophy at NTNU Trondheim, Norway. Haukioja studied philosophy, linguistics, and mathematics at the University of Turku, Finland. In 2000 he defended his dissertation on Rule-Following, Response-Dependence, and Realism. From 2001 to 2010 he was employed in research positions funded by the Academy of Finland. He joined NTNU Trondheim in 2010, and has been full professor since 2011. His research interests include philosophy of language,
philosophy of mind, and metaphilosophy.
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Delivers a novel exploration of metasemantic foundations, going beyond the familiar debates between semantic externalism and internalism by addressing the foundational question of what makes these semantic theories true
Introduces the concept of meta-internalism, offering a new perspective on how reference and meaning are determined
Emphasizes the role of empirical methods in understanding linguistic phenomena
Tackles key contemporary issues in metaphysics and conceptual engineering, such as reference failure, reference change, and the possibility of conceptual innovation
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780192895158
Publisert
2025
Utgiver
Oxford University Press
Vekt
462 gr
Høyde
241 mm
Bredde
164 mm
Dybde
18 mm
Aldersnivå
UP, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
208