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.
| ISBN: | 9780195144741 |
| Publication date: | 8th October 2021 |
| Author: | Kenneth Allen Taylor |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press an imprint of OUP USA |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 312 pages |
| Genres: |
Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge Philosophy of language Cognition and cognitive psychology Philosophy of mathematics |
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.
Referring to the World features in the following genres: Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge, Philosophy of language, Cognition and cognitive psychology, Philosophy of mathematics
Referring to the World is available in Hardback
Referring to the World was written by Kenneth Allen Taylor and published by Oxford University Press an imprint of OUP USA
Referring to the World has 312 pages
£70.20