Single Idea 4565

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 5. Meaning as Verification]

Full Idea

It seems that the positivists must admit that there is at least one statement which is meaningful, but which is neither verifiable nor analytic - namely, the statement of the principle of verification itself.

Gist of Idea

The verification principle itself seems neither analytic nor verifiable

Source

David E. Cooper (Philosophy and the Nature of Language [1973], §3.1)

Book Reference

Cooper,David E.: 'Philosophy and the Nature of Language' [Longman 1979], p.52


A Reaction

Some people think this objection is decisive, but I think any theory must be permitted a few metatheoretic assertions or axioms which are beyond discussion. Ayer thought the VP might be treated as analytic. Everyone has to start somewhere.