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Single Idea 6632

[from 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' by E.J. Lowe, in 19. Language / D. Propositions / 4. Mental Propositions ]

Full Idea

We use the same that-clause ('that snow is white') to specify the contents of both a person's utterances and of their beliefs, because it is the same proposition.

Gist of Idea

The same proposition provides contents for the that-clause of an utterance and a belief

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 4)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.73


A Reaction

Certainly to say 'he believes that we should declare war' seems to refer to something non-linguistic, but it doesn't demonstrate that anything concrete or real is being referred to. It may be an abstract account of dispositions and desires.