Reading Philosophy of Language

Designed for readers new to the subject, Reading Philosophy of Language presents key texts in the philosophy of language together with helpful editorial guidance.

• A concise collection of key texts in the philosophy of language
• Ideal for readers new to the subject.
• Features seminal texts by leading figures in the field, such as Austin, Chomsky, Davidson, Dummett and Searle.
• Presents three texts on each of five key topics: speech and performance; meaning and truth; knowledge of language; meaning and compositionality; and non-literal meaning.
• A volume introduction from the editors outlines the subject’s principal concerns.
• Introductions to each chapter locate the pieces in context and explain relevant terminology and theories.
• Interactive commentaries help readers to engage with the texts.

Sources and Acknowledgements ix

Introduction 1

1. Reference and Meaning 7

2. Speech and Action 43

3. Meaning and Truth 89

4. Knowledge of Language 152

5. Meaning and Compositionality 215

6. Non-literal Meaning 249

Further Reading 306

Index 318

"To get stuck in to this book is to taste the sort of intense learning experience that you might get if the editors were giving you personal tutorials. Those who teach philosophy of language to University undergraduates will regard Reading Philosophy of Language as a valuable addition to their armoury." Dr Andrew Woodfield, University of Bristol

"This is an outstanding text, with a perfect blend of well-selected original works and excellent, interleaved commentary. I will immediately adopt it for my undergraduate Philosophy of Language course." David Shier, Washington State University

Jennifer Hornsby is Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. Reading Philosophy: Selected Texts with a Method for Beginners (co-edited with Samuel Guttenplan and Christopher Janaway, Blackwell, 2003) is among her recent publications.

Guy Longworth is Lecturer in Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Designed for readers new to the subject, Reading Philosophy of Language presents important writings by leading figures in the field, such as Austin, Chomsky, Davidson, Dummett, and Searle. Three texts are presented on each of six key topics: reference and meaning; speech and action; meaning and truth; knowledge of language; meaning and compositionality; and non-literal meaning.

Extensive editorial material guides readers through these texts. The editors provide an introduction to the text as a whole, outlining the subject’s principal concerns, and explaining how these give rise to the particular questions broached in each chapter. Chapter introductions then locate each piece in context and provide background on relevant terminology and theories; interactive commentaries help readers to engage with the texts, and acquaint them with alternative positions that might be taken on key issues.