Rule-following and realism / Gary Ebbs.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ebbs, Gary.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Meaning (Philosophy)--History--20th century.

Meaning (Philosophy).

Language and languages--Philosophy.

Language and languages.

Realism--Controversial literature.

Realism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvi,368p.)

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, 1997.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Ebbs presents systematic redescriptions of our linguistic practices that transform our understanding of such central topics as rule-following, the analytic-synthetic distinction, realism, anti-individualism, self-knowledge and scepticism.

Through detailed criticism of standard interpretations of key arguments in analytical philosophy over the last 60 years, this book aims to present a new conception of the proper starting point and task of the philosophy of language. To understand central topics in the philosophy of language and mind, the author contends we must investigate them from our perspective as participants in shared linguistic practices. However, our efforts at adopting this participant perspective are limited by our lingering loyalties to metaphysical realism and scientific naturalism. The book aims to loosen the hold of these views by exposing their roots and developing a different way of looking at our linguistic practices. A systematic rediscription of our linguistic practices is presented, and aims to transform our understanding of such central topics as rule-following, realism, and anti-individualism.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Introduction

I Rule-Following

ONE Kripke’s Skepticism about Meaning

TWO Quine’s Scientific Skepticism about Meaning

THREE The Very Idea of a Participant Perspective

II The Analytic-Synthetic Distinction

FOUR Carnap’s Analytic-Synthetic Distinction

FIVE Quine’s Reasons for Rejecting Carnap’s Analytic-Synthetic Distinction

SIX Putnam’s Reasons for Rejecting Carnap’s Analytic-Synthetic Distinction

III Anti-Individualism

SEVEN From the Rejection of the Analytic-Synthetic Distinction to Anti-Individualism

EIGHT Participation, Deference, and Dialectic

NINE Realism, Self-Knowledge, and Skepticism

TEN Anti-Individualism and Rule-Following

NOTES

INDEX

Notes:

Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [313]-363) and index.

ISBN:

9780674034419

0674034414

OCLC:

923111311