What Is This Thing Called Philosophy of Language?

Book Details

• Author: Gary Kemp

• Publisher: Routledge

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780415517843

• Pages: 191

• Binding: Paperback

• Edition: Reprint

• Release Date: 19-04-2013

• Illustrations: Illustrated

• Package Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches

About The Book

Philosophy of Language is a clear and accessible introduction to one of the most fundamental yet complex areas in philosophy. Written by Gary Kemp, this book delves into key problems in the philosophy of language, including meaning, reference, semantics, and propositional attitudes, all while tracing the historical development of the field. With contributions from some of the greatest philosophers such as Gottlob Frege, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Bertrand Russell, the book explains the evolution of these ideas and their relevance to modern philosophy.

This reprint edition covers critical topics like:

• The nature of philosophy of language and its development over time

• Early debates on meaning, including cognitive meaning vs. expressivism, context, and compositionality

• Frege’s theory of sense and reference, and discussions on non-existent objects

• Russell’s theory of definite descriptions

• Modern theories by Kripke and Putnam, and debates about necessity, analyticity, and natural kinds

• Key issues of indexicality, context, and modality, and Davidson’s theory of language

• Quine’s naturalism and its consequences for philosophy of language

Key Features:

• Clear Structure: Carefully organized to guide students through the key topics of philosophy of language.

• Philosophical Depth: Provides a detailed yet accessible explanation of complex philosophical issues.

• Ideal for Beginners: Chapter summaries, annotated readings, and a glossary make this an excellent resource for students new to the field.

• Illustrated Edition: Includes helpful illustrations that aid in understanding philosophical concepts.

Whether you're a philosophy student, instructor, or simply interested in the foundational issues of language and meaning, Philosophy of Language offers a valuable and comprehensive introduction to this fascinating field.