Confusion of Tongues : a theory of normative language
Finlay, StephenAuthor
Can normative words like 'good', 'ought', and 'reason' be defined in entirely non-normative terms? This book argues that they can, advancing an end-relational theory of the meaning of this language as providing the best explanation of the many different ways it is ordinarily used. Whereas it is widely maintained that relational theories cannot account for the special features of moral and deliberative uses of these words, this book argues that the end-relational theory accommodates these features systematically on the basis of a single fundamental principle of conversational pragmatics.
Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Can normative words like 'good', 'ought', and 'reason' be defined in entirely non-normative terms? This book argues that they can, advancing an end-relational theory of the meaning of this language as providing the best explanation of the many different ways it is ordinarily used. Whereas it is widely maintained that relational theories cannot account for the special features of moral and deliberative uses of these words, this book argues that the end-relational theory accommodates these features systematically on the basis of a single fundamental principle of conversational pragmatics.
Description based on online resource; title from home page (viewed on March 24, 2014).
Machine generated contents note: -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. A Good Word to Start With -- Chapter 3. The Probable Meaning of 'Ought' -- Chapter 4. Explaining Reasons -- Chapter 5. Pragmatics and Practicality -- Chapter 6. Multiple Ends -- Chapter 7. Categorical and Final -- Chapter 8. A Disagreeable Problem -- Chapter 9. Conclusion.
Pragmatics
Normativity (Ethics)
Meaning (Philosophy)
Psycholinguistics
Linguistic analysis (Linguistics)
Philosophy & Religion
Languages & Literatures
Philosophy
Philology & Linguistics