Language Turned on Itself by Herman Cappelen
Language Turned on Itself examines what happens when language becomes self-reflexive; when language is used to talk about language. Those who think, talk, and write about language are habitual users of various metalinguistic devices, but reliance on these devices begins early: kids are told, 'That's called a "rabbit"'. It's not implausible that a primitive capacity for the meta-linguistic kicks in at the beginning stages of language acquisition. But no matter when or how frequently these devices are invoked, one thing is clear: they present theorists of language with a complex data pattern. Herman Cappelen and Ernest Lepore show that the study of these devices and patterns not only represents an interesting and neglected project in the philosophy of language, but also carries important consequences for other parts of philosophy. Part I is devoted to presenting data about various aspects of our metalinguistic practices. In Part II, the authors examine and reject the four leading metalinguistic theories, and offer a new account of our use of quotation in a variety of different contexts. But the primary goal of this book is not to promote one theory over another. Rather, it is to present a deeply puzzling set of problems and explain their significance
Herman Cappelen is Arché Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrews.; Ernie Lepore is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
SKU | GOR009660657 |
ISBN 13 | 9780199575527 |
ISBN 10 | 0199575525 |
Title | Language Turned on Itself |
Author | Herman Cappelen |
Condition | very good |
Binding type | Paperback |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Year published | 2009-11-26 |
Number of pages | 182 |
Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
Note | This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us |