Single Idea 7770

[catalogued under 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 6. Truth-Conditions Semantics]

Full Idea

A Davidsonian truth theory will not be able to distinguish the meaning of a sentence containing 'renate' from that of one containing 'cordate'.

Clarification

Cordate creatures (having hearts) are all renate (having kidneys) in this world

Gist of Idea

Truth conditions will come out the same for sentences with 'renate' or 'cordate'

Source

William Lycan (Philosophy of Language [2000], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Lycan,William G.: 'Philosophy of Language' [Routledge 2000], p.142


A Reaction

One might achieve the distinction by referring to truth conditions in possible worlds, if there are possible worlds where some cordates are not renate. See Idea 7773.

Related Idea

Idea 7773 A sentence's truth conditions is the set of possible worlds in which the sentence is true [Lycan]