Themes from Kaplan

by Joseph Almog

Description

This anthology of essays on the work of David Kaplan, a leading contemporary philosopher of language, sprang from a conference, "Themes from Kaplan," organized by the Center for the Study of Language and Information at Stanford University. The book contains sixteen papers by such distinguished contributors as Robert M. Adams, Roderick Chisholm, Nathan Salmon, and Scott Soames, and includes Kaplan's hitherto uncollected paper, "Demonstratives," which has for twenty years been one of the most influential pieces in the philosophy of language. These essays examine a broad range of themes related to Kaplan's work; some address his work directly, while others are independent discussions of issues provoked by Kaplan's thought.

ISBN-13: 0195345347

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Language: English

Publish Year: 1989

Joseph Almog's "Themes from Kaplan" provides a comprehensive exploration and elucidation of the seminal philosophical contributions of David Kaplan, particularly in the philosophy of language and logic. The book meticulously unpacks Kaplan's revolutionary theories concerning demonstratives, indexicals, and direct reference, making complex concepts accessible while highlighting their profound implications. Almog's core thesis centers on illustrating how Kaplan's framework fundamentally alters our understanding of how language refers to the world, emphasizing the indispensable role of context in determining meaning and truth conditions, especially for terms like "I," "here," and "now."

The text delves into Kaplan's crucial distinctions between "character" and "content," and between "context" and "circumstance of evaluation." Character is presented as the linguistic rule that maps a context of utterance to a specific content (what is said), which is then a proposition evaluated for truth across various circumstances. Almog demonstrates how this intricate framework offers robust tools for analyzing complex linguistic phenomena such as belief reports, modal logic, and the behavior of indexical expressions. This approach directly challenges traditional Fregean views that posit a mediating 'sense' for all referring expressions, instead advocating for a direct, context-sensitive mode of reference for a significant class of terms.

Beyond mere linguistic analysis, Almog expands on the broader philosophical consequences of Kaplan's work. He discusses how Kaplan's theories illuminate long-standing debates in metaphysics, such as those concerning essentialism, the nature of propositions, and the intricate relationship between language and reality. The book ultimately positions Kaplan's framework as an essential foundation for comprehending how language achieves its grounding in the world, not solely through descriptive means but through direct, contextualized engagement with the act of utterance. Almog's interpretation underscores the enduring relevance of Kaplan's ideas for contemporary philosophy, showcasing their power to resolve puzzles and open new avenues for inquiry into the fundamental structures of thought and communication.

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