In What Sense can Statements about Languages be True?
In What Sense can Statements about Languages be True?
Author(s): Paul RastallSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Philosophy of Language
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Descriptive statements; languages; truth; theoretical concepts and statements; hypothetico-deductivism; correspondence theory; coherence theory; speech phenomena; black box approaches; interpretation;
Summary/Abstract: The article considers descriptive statements about languages and language phenomena and seeks to determine how such statements can be “true”. Descriptive statements about languages are considered from the points of view of the correspondence and coherence theories of truth and from the point of view of hypothetico-deductive testing. It is argued that descriptive statements about languages are rationally discussable interpretations disciplined by what we can observe within a given paradigm, and that issues of truth and issues of empirical testing should be distinguished.
Journal: Organon F
- Issue Year: 18/2011
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 14-25
- Page Count: 12
- Language: English