Remnants of meaning /

A work of remarkable breadth and depth, Remnants of Meaning surveys every major research proposal in the philosophy of language-only to find each sorely lacking. In an effort to determine the nature of mental content and representation, Schiffer (University of Arizona) discusses, in turn, functionalism; the nature of propositions and their suitability as contents; the language of thought and other sententialist theories of belief; intention based semantics; and related issues in ontology. Each of these proposals is found to be misguided, and there are no additional candidates in the offing. Consequently, Schiffer advocates the ``no-theory theory of meaning''; no workable theory of linguistic or mental representation is available, but upon reflection it becomes evident that none is required to explain language understanding. Schiffer brings to his task an urgency and a rare philosophical talent. He discusses the topics with precision and unquestionable authority, and his arguments, although calculated and precise, are cast in a refreshingly supple prose. The theories canvassed are clearly drawn, and fairly criticized; Schiffer's objections to them are arrestingly concise, and often manifestly decisive. It is to be expected that this book will generate a good deal of discussion and will help shape the direction of the philosophy of language for some time to come. Its importance and comprehensiveness warrant its inclusion in every undergraduate library associated with a philosophy program.-C.J. Shields, Colby College