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Single Idea 6341

[from 'Truth (2nd edn)' by Paul Horwich, in 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / b. Indeterminate translation ]

Full Idea

The right translation between words of two languages is the mapping that preserves basic patterns of usage - where usage is characterised non-semantically, in terms of circumstances of application, assertibility conditions and inferential role.

Gist of Idea

Right translation is a mapping of languages which preserves basic patterns of usage

Source

Paul Horwich (Truth (2nd edn) [1990], Ch.6.32)

Book Reference

Horwich,Paul: 'Truth (2nd edn)' [OUP 1998], p.93


A Reaction

It still strikes me that if you ask why a piece of language is used in a certain way, you find yourself facing something deeper about meaning than mere usage. Horwich cites Wittgenstein and Quine in his support. Could a machine pass his test?