Single Idea 7752

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 3. Meaning as Speaker's Intention]

Full Idea

Only what I may call the primary intention of an utterer is relevant to the (non-natural) meaning of an utterance.

Gist of Idea

Only the utterer's primary intention is relevant to the meaning

Source

H. Paul Grice (Meaning [1957], p.47)

Book Reference

'Philosophical Logic', ed/tr. Strawson,P.F. [OUP 1973], p.47


A Reaction

This sounds okay for simple statements, but gets really tricky with complex statements, such as very ironic remarks delivered to an audience of diverse people.