On the Notion of Meaning: Propositionalist and Counter-Propositionalist Views

Authors : Osman Gazi Birgül

Pages : 15-26

View : 71 | Download : 50

Publication Date : 2024-10-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, the aim is to evaluate the propositionalist perspective in comparison with its counterpart, and to investigate whether propositionalism provides a framework for explaining the relationships between propositions based on propositions themselves. The first main part introduces the propositionalist standpoint in conjunction with fundamental concepts such as truth, meaning, sentence, object, and proposition. Additionally, I provide an illustrative example concerning conditionals to underscore the extensive scope of the ongoing debates. The first main part provides a succinct overview of the motivations behind propositionalism, elucidating its primary arguments. Subsequently, I delineate the two principal propositionalist stances that have garnered substantial scrutiny in the scholarly discourse, namely propositionalism A and propositionalism B. Moving to the subsequent section, I delve into an analysis of the limitations inherent in both manifestations of propositionalism, centering on key notions such as intentionality, attitude, and the existence of non-propositional objects. Moreover, I explore the nuances between figurative and literal interpretations of meaning. In the concluding remarks, I highlight the plethora of examples showcasing relationships between subjects and non-propositional objects, as opposed to propositions, a concept central to the propositionalist argument. Consequently, I argue that propositionalism fails to offer a comprehensive account of sentence meaning solely based on relations among propositions, as it overlooks numerous instances.
Keywords : Önermecilik, Anlam, Önermeye dayalı olmayan nesneler, Niyetsel tutumlar, Nesnelik