Single Idea 7330

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / c. Principle of charity]

Full Idea

Quine takes to the principle of charity to apply only to the translation of the logical constants.

Gist of Idea

The principle of charity only applies to the logical constants

Source

report of Willard Quine (works [1961]) by Alexander Miller - Philosophy of Language 8.7

Book Reference

Miller,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Language' [UCL Press 1998], p.272


A Reaction

Given how weird some people's view of the world seems to be, this very cautious approach has an interesting rival appeal to Davidson't much more charitable view, that people mostly speak truth. It depends whether you are discussing lunch or the gods.