High-Functioning Autistic Speakers as Davidsonian Interpreters: a Reply to Andrews and Radenovic

Author: Bouma, Hanni K.

Source: Philosophical Psychology, Volume 19, Number 5, October 2006 , pp. 679-690(12)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

In this paper, I provide further support for my earlier claim that the existence of high-functioning autistic speakers does not undermine Davidson's theory of radical interpretation. Andrews and Radenovic, in criticizing my arguments for this position, have presented fresh evidence from the clinical literature on autism for the existence of an individual who speaks but does not interpret, and maintain that the existence of such an individual seriously challenges Davidson's theory. I counter this claim by showing that the evidence they point to in fact better supports the conclusion that this autistic speaker, and others like him, are Davidsonian interpreters.

Keywords: Autism; Donald Davidson; Language; Radical Interpretation; Theory Of Mind; Thought

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09515080600904412

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