Referring to the World: An Opinionated Introduction to the Theory of Reference

Taylor, Kenneth A.

ISBN 10: 0195144740 / ISBN 13: 9780195144741

Published by Oxford University Press, 2021

About this Item

Seller Inventory # BSM.Z5RK

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Referring to the World: An Opinionated Introduction to the Theory of Reference
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195144740
• ISBN 13: 9780195144741
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: very_good

About this title

Synopsis

Our words and ideas refer to objects and properties in the external world; this phenomenon is central to thought, language, communication, and science. But great works of fiction are full of names that don't seem to refer to anything! In this book Kenneth A. Taylor explores the myriad of problems that surround the phenomenon of reference. How can words in language and perturbations in our brains come to stand for external objects? Reference is essential to truth, but which is more basic: reference or truth? How can fictional characters play such an important role in imagination and literature, and how does this use of language connect with more mundane uses?

Taylor develops a framework for understanding reference, and the theories that other thinkers-past and present-have developed about it. But Taylor doesn't simply tell us what others thought; the book is full of new ideas and analyses, making for a vital final contribution from a seminal philosopher.

About the Author

Kenneth A. Taylor was Professor of Philosophy at Stanford University from 1995 until his death in 2019.