Meaning

Description

Paul Elbourne explores the complex nature of meaning in crystal clear language. He draws on approaches developed in linguistics, philosophy, and psychology - assuming a knowledge of none of them - in a manner that will appeal to everyone interested in this essential element of human psychology and culture.

• By far the most engaging introduction to semantics
• Shows how semantic analysis relates to law, politics, and the media
• Explains complex issues with clarity and concision

About the Author(s)

Paul Elbourne, Department of Linguistics, Queen Mary, University of London

Paul Elbourne is Reader in Semantics at Queen Mary, University of London. He is the author of Situations and Individuals (MIT Press, 2005) and numerous articles in linguistics and philosophy journals.

Table of Contents

1:Definitions
2:What are Word Meanings?
3:Semantic Properties of Words
4:What are Sentence Meanings?
5:Semantic Properties of Sentences
6:Meaning and Grammar
7:Meaning and Context
8:Meaning and Thought
9:Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading
Index

Reviews

"This is a perfect guide to what semantics is all about. The book is informative, scholarly, witty, entertaining, and funny. It doesn't shy away from hard puzzles and unsolved problems, and places semantics where it belongs: at the intersection of linguistics, logic, metaphysics, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience." - Angelika Kratzer, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

"...provides an excellent introduction to central topics in the philosophy of language shaped by the linguistics turn...Elbourne writes lively prose and he conveys the sense that the contemporary study of meaning is rich, exciting and developing rapidly." - Philosophy in Review

"an unintimidating and admirable entry-point into both the technical and the philosophical dimensions of semantics." - Daniel Harris, Mind