Single Idea 1631

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / b. Indeterminate translation]

Full Idea

We could know the necessary and sufficient stimulatory conditions of every possible act of utterance, in a foreign language, and still not know how to determine what objects the speakers of that language believe in.

Gist of Idea

You could know the complete behavioural conditions for a foreign language, and still not know their beliefs

Source

Willard Quine (Speaking of Objects [1960], pt.III,p.11)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ontological Relativity and Other Essays' [Columbia 1969], p.11


A Reaction

I just don't believe this, because the same scepticism then creeps into discussions of native speakers of a single language, and all communcation is blighted - which is nonsense.