Full Idea
That the truth of sentences is defined by appeal to the semantic properties of words suggests that, if we could give an account of the semantic properties of words (essentially, of reference or satisfaction), we would understand the concept of truth.
Gist of Idea
Satisfaction is a sort of reference, so maybe we can define truth in terms of reference?
Source
Donald Davidson (Truth and Predication [2005], 2)
Book Reference
Davidson,Donald: 'Truth and Predication' [Belknap Harvard 2005], p.34
A Reaction
If you thought that words were prior to sentences, this might be the route to go. Davidson gives priority to sentences, and so prefers to work from the other end, which treats truth as primitive, and then defines reference and meaning.
Related Ideas
Idea 19140 'Satisfaction' is a generalised form of reference [Davidson]
Idea 19145 We can explain truth in terms of satisfaction - but also explain satisfaction in terms of truth [Davidson]
Idea 19147 Truth is the basic concept, because Convention-T is agreed to fix the truths of a language [Davidson]