Single Idea 19045

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / a. Translation]

Full Idea

Translation is a flimsy notion, unfit to bear the weight of the theories of cultural incommensurability that Davidson effectively and justly criticises.

Gist of Idea

Translation is too flimsy a notion to support theories of cultural incommensurability

Source

Willard Quine (On the Very Idea of a Third Dogma [1981], p.42)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.42


A Reaction

I presume he means that a claim to accurately translate something is false, because there is no clear idea of what a good translation looks like it. I just don't believe him. The practice of daily life belies Quine's theories on this.