The Referential Mechanism of Proper Names: Cross-cultural Investigations into Referential Intuitions

Lis book explores the link between names and people, proposing a linguistic-competence-based account of referential intuitions. She investigates cultural differences in referential intuitions and finds that they are largely attributable to perspective-taking strategies. This research provides insights into the cognitive mechanism underlying referential usage and supports referential pluralism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Each of us bears a unique name given to us at birth, a moniker that typically serves as a reference point for others to address us. However, the intricate connection that binds a name to a person and enables it to refer to them remains a subject of exploration. In her book, Lis delves into this question empirically through the lens of referential intuitions. Building upon the existing literature on philosophical and linguistic intuitions, she presents a linguistic-competence-based account of referential intuitions.

Subsequently, she conducts a series of novel experiments to investigate the variation of referential intuitions across different cultures. These experiments aim to shed light on the developmental trajectory and the underlying causes of the observed cultural differences. What emerges from Lis's research is a fascinating finding: the cultural patterns of referential intuitions are already established around age seven, and the observed variations are primarily attributed to the distinct perspective-taking strategies favored by Easterners and Westerners rather than the moral valence of the actions involved in the experimental materials.

These results provide compelling support for referential pluralism, particularly the ambiguous view, over referential monism. By undertaking this insightful research, Lis's book offers new insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying peoples referential usage of names. It holds significance for students and scholars in the fields of linguistics, philosophy of language, and experimental philosophy, particularly those who delve into semantic intuitions and theories of reference.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367497712