Descriptivism and the Philosophy of Mind∗
نویسندگان
چکیده
We distinguish between two versions of descriptivism. What we label “explanatory descriptivism” is a program for explaining how words get meaning and reference. Meaning descriptivism, on the other hand, is the view that many syntactically simple terms are synonymous with descriptions. It is a claim about what the meaning of such terms is, not about how the facts determine what the meaning is. Explanatory descriptivism is the main focus of our paper, in particular its elaboration by David K. Lewis. The relevant feature of his view is the claim that descriptions are implicit in theories that we tacitly accept. Using descriptions to explain how words get their meaning and reference can be circular. Normally, to be able to formulate or comprehend a descrip∗Thanks to Reto Givel, Jim Pryor, and Scott Soames for comments on earlier drafts, and to the participants in a seminar for discussion.
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