Philosophy of Language: The Key Thinkers

Description

Playing a key role in our lives, as a vehicle for our thoughts and a powerful medium of communication, language is at the centre of philosophical investigation. The fifteen specially commissioned essays in this book introduce and explore the ideas of major philosophers who have shaped philosophical thinking about language, providing insights into crucial developments in this fascinating field over the last 140 years. Chapters examine the work of Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Carnap, Austin, Quine, Chomsky, Grice, Davidson, Dummett, Kripke and Derrida. This second edition broadens coverage of the area with new chapters on Susan Stebbing and on recent developments in feminist philosophy of language. Featuring contributions from Arif Ahmed, Kent Bach, Thomas Baldwin, Michael Beaney, Siobhan Chapman, Kirk Ludwig and other leading experts in the field, Philosophy of Language: The Key Thinkers provides a thorough introduction to the puzzles, debates and ideas that animate contemporary philosophy of language. It is an ideal resource for undergraduate students in philosophy, linguistics and related disciplines.

Barry Lee is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of York, UK.

This revised and expanded edition of Philosophy of Language: The Key Thinkers features two excellent new chapters, one on Susan Stebbing and her contributions to early analytic philosophy, and the other a wonderfully engaging essay introducing students to feminist philosophy of language. * Jason Decker, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Carleton College, USA *