Language and World: A Defence of Linguistic Idealism

This book defends a version of linguistic idealism, which claims that the world is a product of language. It addresses a wide range of topics in contemporary metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophical logic, and syntax theory, arguing that the sentence is the primary unit of linguistic meaning and that the main aspects of meaning, sense, and reference are themselves theoretical posits. Ontology, which is correlative with reference, emerges as language-driven. This linguistic idealism is combined with a realism that accepts the objectivity of science, distinguishing it from empirical pragmatism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents a compelling defense of linguistic idealism, the thesis that the world is a product of language. In the course of advancing this radical viewpoint, Gaskin delves into a diverse array of topics in contemporary metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophical logic, and syntax theory. Building upon the foundations of context and compositionality principles, as well as the notion of a systematic theory of meaning in the tradition of Tarski-Davidson, Gaskin argues that the sentence serves as the primary unit of linguistic meaning. He further posits that the central aspects of meaning, such as sense and reference, are themselves theoretical constructs. Ontology, which is closely linked to reference, emerges as a language-driven phenomenon. This linguistic idealism is complemented by a realism that embraces the objectivity of science, setting it apart from empirical pragmatism. Gaskin contends that there exists a fundamental metaphysical level at which everything can be expressed in language. However, the vindication of linguistic idealism is nuanced, as there exists a derived level that is asymmetrically dependent on the basic level, allowing reality to transcend language and reach into the realms of the unnameable and indescribable.

Language and World is a valuable resource for scholars and advanced students engaged in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and linguistics. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between language and the world, challenging traditional perspectives and providing fresh insights into the nature of meaning, reality, and the relationship between the two. Through its rigorous analysis and thoughtful arguments, this book contributes to the ongoing discourse on these critical subjects and will be of interest to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of these complex topics.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367537524