Inconsistency in Linguistic Theorising

Description

It is widely believed that inconsistency is one of the greatest sins a scholar can commit. This issue is especially relevant in linguistics due to the rich diversity of data types, exceptions to the rules, counterexamples to the hypotheses, and background assumptions which constantly come into conflict with methodological principles. Bringing together ideas from linguistics and philosophy of science, this groundbreaking book seeks to answer the following questions: which kinds of inconsistency arise in linguistic theorising? Under which conditions can inconsistencies be tolerated? And how can inconsistencies be resolved? It is the first study to develop a novel metatheoretical framework that accounts for the emergence and the resolution of inconsistency in linguistic theorising, and to reveal the strategies of inconsistency resolution in theoretical linguistics. Supported by detailed case studies, the findings of this metatheoretical analysis can be applied to improve the effectiveness of the working linguist's problem-solving activity.

Andras Kertesz is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Debrecen (Hungary). He is Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and of Academia Europaea. His fields of research are the philosophy of linguistics and theoretical linguistics. Notable publications include Data and Evidence in Linguistics (Cambridge University Press 2012; with Csilla Rakosi). Csilla Rakosi is Senior Research Fellow at the MTA-DE-SZTE Research Group for Theoretical Linguistics, Eoetvoes Lorand Research Network (ELKH), Hungary. Her fields of research are the philosophy and methodology of linguistics and argumentation theory. Notable publications include Data and Evidence in Linguistics (Cambridge University Press 2012; with Andras Kertesz).

'The authors provide a systematic treatment of the role of inconsistency in linguistic usage. Their discussion is thoroughly grounded in the literature of inconsistency in contemporary linguistics, semantics, logic, rhetoric, and philosophy. Their innovative perspectives and proposed solutions to problems will interest everyone who works in this challenging area.' Nicholas Rescher, Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh 'While inconsistencies have traditionally been regarded as fatal glitches that needed to be eliminated from theories and descriptions, Kertesz and Rakosi demonstrate that although consistency remains a fundamental desideratum, there are inconsistencies that are tolerable and that the emergence and resolution of inconsistencies are a natural part of linguistic argumentation. The authors' model throws new light on the nature of linguistic theorizing by offering a unified framework that integrates inconsistencies whether arising between data of a particular kind, or between different kinds of data, or different theories, or different descriptions.' Edith A. Moravcsik, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee