Reading Philosophy of Language: Selected Texts with Interactive Commentary

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.

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.