Single Idea 19087

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

Full Idea

The entire intellectual purport of any symbol consists in the total of all modes of rational conduct which, conditionally upon all the possible different circumstances and desires, would ensue upon the acceptance of the symbol.

Gist of Idea

The meaning or purport of a symbol is all the rational conduct it would lead to

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Issues of Pragmaticism [1905], EP ii.246), quoted by Danielle Macbeth - Pragmatism and Objective Truth p.169 n1

Book Reference

'New Pragmatists', ed/tr. Misak,Cheryl [OUP 2009], p.169


A Reaction

Macbeth says pragmatism is founded on this theory of meaning, rather than on a theory of truth. I don't see why the causes of a symbol shouldn't be as much a part of its meaning as the consequences are.