Single Idea 9378

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 7. Meaning Holism / c. Meaning by Role]

Full Idea

Conceptual Role Semantics must explain what properties an inference or sentence involving a logical constant must have, if that inference or sentence is to be constitutive of its meaning.

Clarification

See Idea 9377 for 'conceptual role semantics'

Gist of Idea

If meaning depends on conceptual role, what properties are needed to do the job?

Source

Paul Boghossian (Analyticity Reconsidered [1996], §III)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.16


A Reaction

This is my perennial request that if something is to be defined by its function (or role), we must try to explain what properties it has that make its function possible, and those properties will be the more basic explanation.

Related Idea

Idea 9377 'Conceptual role semantics' says terms have meaning from sentences and/or inferences [Boghossian]