Ideas from 'Semantics, Conceptual Role' by Ned Block [1998], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy' (ed/tr Craig,Edward) [Routledge 2005,0-415-32495-5]].

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19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 7. Meaning Holism / c. Meaning by Role
The meaning of a representation is its role in thought, perception or decisions
                        Full Idea: According to conceptual role semantics, the meaning of a representation is the role of that representation in the cognitive life of the agent, for example, in perception, thought and decision-making.
                        From: Ned Block (Semantics, Conceptual Role [1998])
                        A reaction: I never believe theories of this kind, because I always find myself asking 'what is the nature of this representation which enables it to play this role?'.