Single Idea 19054

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 6. Meaning as Use]

Full Idea

If use constitutes meaning, it might seem that use is beyond criticism. ....But such an attitude can, ultimately, be supported onlly by the adoption of a holistic view of language.

Gist of Idea

Meaning as use puts use beyond criticism, and needs a holistic view of language

Source

Michael Dummett (The philosophical basis of intuitionist logic [1973], p.218)

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Truth and Other Enigmas' [Duckworth 1978], p.218


A Reaction

Dummett goes on to say that the rejection of the holistic view of mathematical meaning leads to his preference for intuitionistic logic.