Single Idea 7722

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 2. Meaning as Mental]

Full Idea

If meaning is a private mental picture, what does 'the cat is NOT on the mat' mean, and how does it differ from 'the dog is not on the mat?'.

Gist of Idea

If meaning is mental pictures, explain "the cat (or dog!) is NOT on the mat"

Source

E.J. Lowe (Locke on Human Understanding [1995], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Locke on Human Understanding' [Routledge 2004], p.168


A Reaction

Not insurmountable. We picture an empty mat, combined with a cat (or whatever) located somewhere else. A mental 'picture' of something shouldn't be contrued as a single image in a neat black frame.