The Science of Meaning
Essays on the Metatheory of Natural Language Semantics
Derek Ball editor Brian Rabern editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:30th Jul '20
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£107.50(9780198739548)

This insightful exploration of semantics examines the nature of meaning and its implications for language use, as presented in The Science of Meaning.
In The Science of Meaning, the author delves into the intricate relationship between language and meaning. Language serves as a powerful tool for communication, enabling us to command, assert, query, emote, insult, and inspire. Yet, the concept of meaning can often feel elusive. This volume seeks to clarify what meaning truly is and examines the objectives of semantic theory in the context of natural language semantics. By exploring the current state of research, the book sheds light on how we convey our thoughts and emotions through various forms of expression.
The book emphasizes that language is not merely a series of sounds or marks on paper; it is a dynamic medium that reflects our mental lives. Whether through spoken words, written text, or even gestures, language users articulate their inner experiences and intentions. This exploration of semantics reveals that understanding meaning requires an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and psychology. The author illustrates how these fields intersect and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of linguistic meaning.
Ultimately, The Science of Meaning invites readers to consider the profound questions surrounding language and its role in human interaction. By engaging with these themes, the book aims to demystify the complexities of meaning and provide a framework for understanding how we communicate and connect with one another.
Ball and Rabern have collected a set of prestigious chapters that well represent the current state of reflections on the nature, structure, and foundations of theories in mainstream FS. The volume will be of great interest to semanticists and contains a fair number of must-read essays (e.g., by Partee, Recanati, Yalcin) that could easily also be appreciated by linguists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers of language. * Giosuè Baggio, Journal of Logic, Language and Information *
ISBN: 9780198865735
Dimensions: 234mm x 155mm x 22mm
Weight: 642g
432 pages