Single Idea 6387

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 1. Meaning]

Full Idea

Whatever else it embraces, a theory of meaning must include an account of truth - a statement of the conditions under which an arbitrary sentence of the language is true.

Gist of Idea

A minimum requirement for a theory of meaning is that it include an account of truth

Source

Donald Davidson (Reality without Reference [1977], p.132)

Book Reference

'Reference, Truth and Reality', ed/tr. Platts,Mark [RKP 1980], p.132


A Reaction

It is a moot point whether we can define meaning if we assume truth, or if we can define truth by assuming meaning. Tarski seems to presuppose meaning when he defines truth (Idea 2345). I like Davidson's taking of truth as basic.

Related Idea

Idea 2345 Semantic notions do not occur in Tarski's definitions, but assessing their correctness involves translation [Putnam]