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.