The Philosophy of Language

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What is meaning? How is linguistic communication possible? What is the nature of language? This essential text serves as an excellent introduction to these fundamental questions. The revised edition compiles 39 pivotal articles, making it the most comprehensive volume in the field. New contributions from influential thinkers like W.V. Quine, Donald Davidson, and John Searle are included, along with a new section on interpretation and translation. Classic works by renowned philosophers such as Gottlob Frege, Bertrand Russell, P.F. Strawson, J.L. Austin, Hilary Putnam, and David Kaplan are also featured. The articles are organized chronologically, showcasing evolving approaches to the philosophy of language, with many building on or critically engaging with earlier discussions. Eight sections address central issues: Truth and Meaning, Speech Acts, Reference Descriptions, Names and Demonstratives, Propositional Attitudes, Metaphor, Interpretation and Translation, and the Nature of Language. The introduction has been significantly expanded to provide students with a better understanding of the issues and their interconnections, complemented by a bibliography of suggested further readings for each section. This text is the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource for students of the philosophy of language.