Exploring Contextualism and Performativity: The Environment Matters

This edited volume on contextualism and pragmatics is interdisciplinary and covers a range of topics, including hyperbole, synonymy, reference, argumentation, schizophrenia, rationality, morality, silence, and clinical pragmatics. It also discusses the semantics/pragmatics debate and demonstrates the application of contextualism to these issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 243 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This edited collection on contextualism and pragmatics spans multiple disciplines, drawing contributions from linguistics, cognitive science, and socio-pragmatics. It goes beyond the traditional confines of contextual matters such as truth-conditions and pragmatic intrusion, delving into a wide range of topics including hyperbole, synonymy, reference, argumentation, schizophrenia, rationality, morality, silence, and clinical pragmatics. The contributions also explore the ongoing semantics/pragmatics debate and demonstrate the extent to which contextualism can be applied.

The volume is the result of a comprehensive research project funded by the University of Messina and is designed to appeal to students and scholars engaged in the fields of linguistics and the philosophy of language. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on contextualism and pragmatics, providing valuable insights into these complex areas of study.

The first chapter of the volume provides an overview of contextualism and pragmatics, defining their key concepts and highlighting their significance in language analysis. It also introduces the different contributions that the subsequent chapters will explore.

Chapter 2 explores the role of context in hyperbole, discussing how contextual factors influence the interpretation and evaluation of exaggerated statements. It examines the cognitive mechanisms that underlie hyperbolic expressions and the ways in which they contribute to communication and persuasion.

Chapter 3 examines the relationship between synonymy and context, discussing how synonyms can vary in their meanings depending on the context in which they are used. It explores the cognitive processes that underpin synonymy resolution and the ways in which context can influence the selection of synonyms.

Chapter 4 explores the concept of reference, discussing how contextual factors influence the interpretation and resolution of references. It examines the cognitive mechanisms that underpin reference tracking and the ways in which context can shape the interpretation of linguistic expressions.

Chapter 5 examines argumentation, discussing how contextual factors influence the structure, content, and evaluation of arguments. It explores the cognitive processes that underpin argument construction and the ways in which context can shape the interpretation and evaluation of arguments.

Chapter 6 explores the role of context in schizophrenia, discussing how contextual factors can contribute to the development and manifestation of this mental disorder. It examines the cognitive mechanisms that underpin schizophrenia and the ways in which context can influence the expression and understanding of symptoms.

Chapter 7 explores the relationship between context and rationality, discussing how contextual factors influence the development and evaluation of rational beliefs and decisions. It examines the cognitive processes that underpin rationality and the ways in which context can shape the interpretation and evaluation of evidence.

Chapter 8 explores the role of context in morality, discussing how contextual factors influence the development and evaluation of moral judgments and behaviors. It examines the cognitive processes that underpin morality and the ways in which context can shape the interpretation and evaluation of moral dilemmas.

Chapter 9 explores the concept of silence, discussing how contextual factors influence the interpretation and evaluation of silences. It examines the cognitive processes that underpin silence interpretation and the ways in which context can shape the communication and negotiation of meaning.

Chapter 10 explores clinical pragmatics, discussing how contextual factors influence the interpretation and evaluation of clinical interactions. It examines the cognitive processes that underpin clinical communication and the ways in which context can shape the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions.

In conclusion, this edited collection on contextualism and pragmatics offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on these complex areas of study. It provides valuable insights into the role of context in language interpretation and communication, and demonstrates the extent to which contextualism can be applied to a wide range of topics. The contributions to this volume are insightful and thought-provoking, and will be of interest to students and scholars in linguistics, cognitive science, and socio-pragmatics.

Weight: 559g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031125423
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023