Full Idea
We understand an imperative if and only if we know under what conditions what it orders or commands is obeyed.
Gist of Idea
You only understand an order if you know what it is to obey it
Source
Donald Davidson (Truth and Predication [2005], 6)
Book Reference
Davidson,Donald: 'Truth and Predication' [Belknap Harvard 2005], p.124
A Reaction
How could this be wrong? 'Do you understand the order?' 'Yes sir!' 'Well do it then!' 'Do what sir?'