Single Idea 14231

[catalogued under 2. Reason / F. Fallacies / 7. Ad Hominem]

Full Idea

We should interpret philosophers as if their own theory of the meaning of their utterances were true, whether or not we agree with that theory.

Gist of Idea

We should always apply someone's theory of meaning to their own utterances

Source

David Liggins (Nihilism without Self-Contradiction [2008], 8)

Book Reference

'Being: Developments in Contemporary Metaphysics', ed/tr. Le Poidevin,R [CUP 2008], p.191


A Reaction

This seems to give legitimate grounds for some sorts of ad hominem objections. It would simply be an insult to a philosopher not to believe their theories, and then apply them to what they have said. This includes semantic theories.