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Single Idea 19163

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

Full Idea

We understand an imperative if and only if we know under what conditions what it orders or commands is obeyed.

Gist of Idea

You only understand an order if you know what it is to obey it

Source

Donald Davidson (Truth and Predication [2005], 6)

Book Ref

Davidson,Donald: 'Truth and Predication' [Belknap Harvard 2005], p.124

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A Reaction

How could this be wrong? 'Do you understand the order?' 'Yes sir!' 'Well do it then!' 'Do what sir?'