Sensations, Thoughts, Language: Essays in Honour of Brian Loar

Brian Loar was a philosopher of mind and language who was at the forefront of several debates between the 1970s and 2000s. This volume of essays honors his career, featuring sixteen original essays from influential figures in the fields. The essays are divided into three thematic sections covering his work in philosophy of language, content in the philosophy of mind, and the metaphysics of intentionality and consciousness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Brian Loar, a renowned and esteemed philosopher of mind and language, left an indelible mark on the philosophical landscape from the 1970s to the 2000s. He was a central figure in numerous groundbreaking debates that shaped the fields of semantics, psychology, reference, functionalism, externalism, and the nature of intentionality. His most influential work, on the explanatory gap between consciousness and neurons, has left an enduring impact on the field.

Loar's contributions to philosophy were profound and far-reaching. He is widely recognized for developing a comprehensive functionalist account of certain aspects of the mind, which has had a significant impact on the philosophy of language and mind. His "phenomenal content strategy" is considered one of the most significant developments in the ancient mind-body problem.

This volume of essays, dedicated to the entirety of Brian Loar's philosophical career, showcases the depth and breadth of his intellectual pursuits. It features sixteen original essays written by influential figures in the fields of philosophy of language and philosophy of mind, including those who had the privilege of working with and being taught by Loar. The essays are organized into three thematic sections:

Philosophy of Language: This section explores Loar's work in philosophy of language, particularly his contributions to the relations between semantics and psychology during the 1970s and 1980s. The essays examine the interplay between language and mental representations, the nature of meaning, and the relationship between language and consciousness.

Content in the Philosophy of Mind: The second section focuses on Loar's work on content in the philosophy of mind, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. The essays explore the nature of mental states, the relationship between content and intentionality, and the explanatory gap between consciousness and neurons.

Metaphysics of Intentionality and Consciousness: The third section examines Loar's contributions to the metaphysics of intentionality and consciousness, particularly in the 1990s and beyond. The essays explore the nature of consciousness, the relationship between intentionality and physical reality, and the explanatory power of functionalism.

Taken together, these essays provide a comprehensive and insightful tribute to Brian Loar's remarkable philosophical career. They offer a timely reflection on his enduring influence on the philosophy of mind and language, highlighting his contributions to semantic theory, psychology, reference, functionalism, externalism, and the mind-body problem.

In conclusion, Brian Loar's philosophical legacy is a testament to his profound intellect, innovative thinking, and lasting contributions to the fields of philosophy of language and philosophy of mind. This volume of essays serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of his ideas and their enduring impact on the philosophical community.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337906