The Publicity of Meaning and the Perceptual Approach to Speech Comprehension

ProtoSociology 34:144-162 (2017)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

The paper presents a number of empirical arguments for the perceptual view of speech comprehension. It then argues that a particular version of phenomenal dogmatism can confer immediate justification upon belief. In combination, these two views can bypass Davidsonian skepticism toward knowledge of meanings. The perceptual view alone, however, can bypass a variation on the Davidsonian argument. One reason Davidson thought meanings were not truly graspable was that he believed meanings were private (unlike behavior). But if the perceptual view of speech comprehension is correct, then meanings (or at least conveyed meanings) are public objects like other perceivable entities. Hence, there is no particular problem of language comprehension, even if meanings originate in “private” mental states.

Author's Profile

Berit Brogaard
University of Miami

Analytics

Added to PP
2018-01-15

Downloads
499 (#30,124)

6 months
133 (#21,461)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?