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Full Idea
'Inferential-role semantics' claims that the meaning of a word (/the content of a concept) is determined by its role in inference.
Gist of Idea
'Inferential-role semantics' says meaning is determined by role in inference
Source
Jerry A. Fodor (LOT 2 [2008], Ch.2.1.2 n14)
Book Ref
Fodor,Jerry A.: 'LOT 2: the Language of Thought Revisited' [OUP 2008], p.33
A Reaction
Fodor is deeply opposed to this view. At first blush it sounds wrong to me, since there seems to be plenty of thought that can go on before inference takes place. Daydreamy speculation, for example.
| 18818 | Sentence meaning is given by the actions to which it would lead [Ramsey] |
| 12588 | Meaning from use of thoughts, constructed from concepts, which have a role relating to reality [Harman] |
| 12589 | Some regard conceptual role semantics as an entirely internal matter [Harman] |
| 12600 | The content of thought is relations, between mental states, things in the world, and contexts [Harman] |
| 16278 | A particular functional role is what gives content to a thought [Lewis] |
| 18033 | The meaning of a representation is its role in thought, perception or decisions [Block] |
| 12634 | 'Inferential-role semantics' says meaning is determined by role in inference [Fodor] |
| 3003 | Very different mental states can share their contents, so content doesn't seem to be constructed from functional role [Fodor] |
| 9640 | A term can have not only a sense and a reference, but also a 'computational role' [Brown,JR] |
| 9378 | If meaning depends on conceptual role, what properties are needed to do the job? [Boghossian] |
| 9377 | 'Conceptual role semantics' says terms have meaning from sentences and/or inferences [Boghossian] |
| 21641 | Inferential role semantics is an alternative to semantics that connects to the world [Hofweber] |