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Single Idea 6282

[from 'Meaning and the Moral Sciences' by Hilary Putnam, in 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 1. Meaning ]

Full Idea

Theory of meaning presupposes theory of understanding and reference.

Gist of Idea

Theory of meaning presupposes theory of understanding and reference

Source

Hilary Putnam (Meaning and the Moral Sciences [1978], Pt Four)

Book Reference

Putnam,Hilary: 'Meaning and the Moral Sciences' [RKP 1981], p.129


A Reaction

How can you have a theory of understanding without a meaning that requires to be understood? Personally I think about the minds of small animals when pondering this, and that seems to put reference and truth at the front of the queue.