Abstract

Another volume in the Foundations of Philosophy series designed as specialized introductory texts for undergraduates. This book locates the philosophy of language within the broader realm of philosophy as a whole, then offers several linguistic theories of meaning. After a critical appraisal of these, the author opts for a meaning-as-use theory supported by a weakened verification criterion. Language is characterized as a system of conventional symbols within a wider range of sign systems and sign oriented behavior. Chapter bibliographies are included.—E. A. R.