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The Inferential Model of Meaning: An Abandoned Route |
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Author |
Guha, Nirmalya (著)
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Source |
Journal of Indian Philosophy
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Volume | v.49 n.4 |
Date | 2021.09 |
Pages | 641 - 655 |
Publisher | Springer |
Publisher Url |
http://www.springer.com/gp/
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Location | Berlin, Germany [柏林, 德國] |
Content type | 期刊論文=Journal Article |
Language | 英文=English |
Keyword | Meaning; Testimony; Inference; Linguistic creativity; Semantic connection |
Abstract | A speaker utters the grammatically correct phrase ‘x y’, and the hearer understands its meaning. The Naiyāyika claims that the only epistemic instrument (pramāṇa) that generates the semantic connection (anvaya) between the meaning of x (henceforth |x|) and the meaning of y (henceforth |y|) is testimony (śabda). This connection is essentially the phrase-meaning. The Vaiśeṣika wants inference (anumāna) to generate this connection. After presenting the Vaiśeṣika view on this topic, this paper will argue that, the hearer considers the generic categories of |x| and |y|, and infers their ontic relation which finally will figure in the testimonial cognition. For example, when John tells Smith that ‘Jones smokes’, Smith first cognizes the meanings of the words, i.e., the individual called Jones and the activity of smoking. Then Smith infers that ‘John intends to say that the activity of smoking inheres in Jones, since an activity inheres in an individual.’ Thus, inherence which appears as the sematic connection is inferred in this case. If John is a reliable speaker (āpta), Smith will have a piece of testimonial knowledge. This is how the Vaiśeṣika’s inference could possibly support linguistic creativity.
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Table of contents | Abstract The Central Problem: Setting the Scene The Inferential Theory and Other Theories Grammar and Semantics: The Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika System The Durability of the Inference Theory Semantic Power versus Inference Conclusion References |
ISSN | 00221791 (P); 15730395 (E) |
DOI | 10.1007/s10781-021-09478-x |
Hits | 99 |
Created date | 2022.12.30 |
Modified date | 2022.12.30 |

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