Single Idea 4041

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 4. Meaning as Truth-Conditions]

Full Idea

Sentences held true (the linguistic representatives of beliefs) determine the meanings of the words they contain.

Gist of Idea

Sentences held true determine the meanings of the words they contain

Source

Donald Davidson (The Method of Truth in Metaphysics [1977], §II)

Book Reference

'Contemp Perspectives in Phil of Lang', ed/tr. French/Uehling/Wettstein [Minnesota 1979], p.295


A Reaction

Maybe. Historically, truth and belief presumably precede words and sentences. But words separate off from beliefs very easily. I'm not convinced. Words initiate language, not beliefs?