Single Idea 18033

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

Full Idea

According to conceptual role semantics, the meaning of a representation is the role of that representation in the cognitive life of the agent, for example, in perception, thought and decision-making.

Gist of Idea

The meaning of a representation is its role in thought, perception or decisions

Source

Ned Block (Semantics, Conceptual Role [1998])

Book Reference

'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.955


A Reaction

I never believe theories of this kind, because I always find myself asking 'what is the nature of this representation which enables it to play this role?'.