Single Idea 3205

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 7. Meaning Holism / b. Language holism]

Full Idea

Semantic holism is a desperate measure. Belief content would be continually changed by new beliefs, evidence for a belief would change the target belief, and no two people would ever agree on concepts.

Gist of Idea

Semantic holism means new evidence for a belief changes the belief, and we can't agree on concepts

Source

Georges Rey (Contemporary Philosophy of Mind [1997], 9.1.2)

Book Reference

Rey,Georges: 'Contemporary Philosophy of Mind' [Blackwell 1997], p.240


A Reaction

It is far more plausible to say language is a bit on the holistic side. Total holism is mad.