Single Idea 17652

[catalogued under 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 5. Truth Bearers]

Full Idea

Truth pertains solely to what is said ...For nonverbal versions and even for verbal versions without statements, truth is irrelevant.

Gist of Idea

Truth is irrelevant if no statements are involved

Source

Nelson Goodman (Ways of Worldmaking [1978], 1.5)

Book Reference

Goodman,Nelson: 'Ways of Worldmaking' [Hackett 1984], p.19


A Reaction

Goodman is a philosopher of language (like Dummett), but I am a philosopher of thought (like Evans). The test, for me, is whether truth is applicable to the thought of non-human animals. I take it to be obvious that it is applicable.

Related Idea

Idea 17651 Without words or other symbols, we have no world [Goodman]