The Biconditional Doctrine: Contra Kölbel on a “Dogma” of Davidsonian Semantics

Author: Gross, Steven

Source: Erkenntnis, Volume 62, Number 2, March 2005 , pp. 189-210(22)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Should a theory of meaning state what sentences mean, and can a Davidsonian theory of meaning in particular do so? Max Kölbel answers both questions affirmatively. I argue, however, that the phenomena of non-homophony, non-truth-conditional aspects of meaning, semantic mood, and context-sensitivity provide prima facie obstacles for extending Davidsonian truth-theories to yield meaning-stating theorems. Assessing some natural moves in reply requires a more fully developed conception of the task of such theories than Kölbel provides. A more developed conception is also required to defend his positive answer to the first question above. I argue that, however Kölbel might elaborate his position, it can’t be by embracing the sort of cognitivist account of Davidsonian semantics to which he sometimes alludes.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10670-004-8161-5

Affiliations: 1: Department of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania, USA, Email: gross2@phil.upenn.edu

Publication date: 2005-03-01