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Single Idea 19180

[from 'The Semantic Conception of Truth' by Alfred Tarski, in 3. Truth / F. Semantic Truth / 1. Tarski's Truth / a. Tarski's truth definition ]

Full Idea

For several reasons it appears most convenient to apply the term 'true' to sentences, and we shall follow this course. Consequently, we must always relate the notion of truth, like that of a sentence, to a specific language.

Gist of Idea

It is convenient to attach 'true' to sentences, and hence the language must be specified

Source

Alfred Tarski (The Semantic Conception of Truth [1944], 02)

Book Reference

'Semantics and the Philosophy of Language', ed/tr. Linsky,Leonard [University of Illinois 1972], p.14


A Reaction

Personally I take truth to attach to propositions, since sentences are ambiguous. In Idea 17308 the one sentence expresses three different truths (in my opinion), even though a single sentence (given in the object language) specifies it.

Related Idea

Idea 17308 Explaining 'Adam ate the apple' depends on emphasis, and thus implies a contrast [Schaffer,J]