Semantics naturalized: Propositional indexing plus interactive perception

Language and Communication 29 (1):1-25 (2009)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

A concrete proposal is presented as to how semantics should be naturalized. Rather than attempting to naturalize propositions, they are treated as abstract entities that index concrete cognitive states. In turn the relevant concrete cognitive states are identified via perceptual classifications of worldly states, with the aid of an interactive theory of perception. The approach enables a broadly realist theory of propositions, truth and cognitive states to be preserved, with propositions functioning much as abstract mathematical constructs do in the nonsemantic sciences, but with a much more specific propositional indexing scheme than previous naturalistic proposals were able to achieve.

Author's Profile

John Dilworth
Western Michigan University

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
267 (#53,866)

6 months
55 (#68,273)

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?