Philosophy of Language (Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy) | 
| Author: William Lycan
Publisher: Routledge
Category: Book
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Sales Rank: 348761
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 221
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6 x 0.6
ISBN: 0415957524
Dewey Decimal Number: 401
EAN: 9780415957526
ASIN: 0415957524
Publication Date: April 11, 2008
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Product Description
Philosophy of Language: a Contemporary Introduction introduces the student to the main issues and theories in twentieth-century philosophy of language, focusing specifically on linguistic phenomena. Topics are structured in three parts in the book. Part I, Reference and Referring Expressions, includes topics such as Russell's Theory of Desciptions, Donnellan's distinction, problems of anaphora, the description theory of proper names, Searle's cluster theory, and the causal-historical theory. Part II, Theories of Meaning, surveys the competing theories of linguistic meaning and compares their various advantages and liabilities. Part III, Pragmatics and Speech Acts, introduces the basic concepts of linguistic pragmatics, includes a detailed discussion of the problem of indirect force and surveys approaches to metaphor. Part IV, new to this edition, examines the four theories of metaphor. Features of Philosophy of Language include: New chapters on Frege and puzzles, inferentialism, illocutionary theories of meaning and relevance theory chapter overviews and summaries clear supportive examples study questions annotated further reading glossary
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This book introduces the student to the main issues and theories in 20th century philosophy of language, focusing specifically on linguistic phenomena.
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 Better May be Available September 1, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Philosophy of Language by William Lycan is an instalment in the Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy Series. This series is intended to provide a bridge between introductory and advanced study, primarily aimed at students/readers with some prior exposure to academic philosophy.
Overall, this is a solid addition to the contemporary introductions series. Philosophy of language can be an arcane and jargon-laden field. Lycan's methodology is generally helpful, introducing many of the key thinkers, and concepts, in the modern philosophy of language tradition (e.g. Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, etc.) The approach employed in the text is to introduce a philosopher's key thoughts then consider objections and potential retorts. This is not a bad tactic, however, from my perspective greater focus on a few key points would be preferable to the current emphasis on breadth (some of the points are too trivial or technical for an introductory text). Each section is followed by a summary of key points, questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading. Additionally, from a physical standpoint the paper back version is well constructed and has a usable font size.
Strengths aside, two stylistic weaknesses reduced my enjoyment of the text and its ultimate utility. The more trivial is the author's excessive self-reference, e.g. "your humble narrator", "you were expecting me to recommend someone else {referring to himself)?" etc. I think that this may have been done with the intention of adding levity to an otherwise dense and potentially dry subject. It was, however, over done and distracting; most of these comments should be removed. The second, and more significant, weakness is style. There is academic writing that is pleasant and flowing, and then there is writing that is laborious and plodding. Unfortunately, this text is in the latter category- even being familiar with the material I found myself constantly having to re-read sections in order to get the point. I fear that if used as a textbook it may turn students off this field.
Upon reflection, I realize that my muted reaction to the book has two components; how the topic is approached and articulated (discussed above), and the subject itself. On this latter point, though intellectually interesting in its own right, much later-day work in this field by Searle, Grice, Davidson, et al, strikes me as adding little real value. Their type of logical-linguistic minutia, though fascinating in its own way, seems analogous to some of the worst medieval theological musings. To progress, it appears that the analytical tradition may need to blend with the behavioural sciences and consider communication from a broader perspective.
Overall, a solid if dry piece of academic writing. A background in analytic philosophy may be required to fully engage with, and integrate, this material. Although, I do not have a ready recommendation there are likely better introductory texts available.
 A pleasure to read January 20, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
I just want to echo the other reviewers. This is a wonderful introductory text. I am a law professor who is interested in learning more about philosophy of language. This was the first book I read, and it fit the bill wonderfully. It provides a nice overview of major debates in the field. And it is accessible, logically structured, and fun to read. It certainly warrants five stars. I hasten to add that I do not know (and have never met) the author of this book (I believe such disclaimers are necessary when reviewing books on amazon).
The best book for beginners in philosophy of language August 9, 2002
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
This is THE book for beginners to have. It's a rare philosopher who knows what the word "introduction" means in a book title; most seem to write so-called introductory books as though the audience is professional philosophers.Finally I have some idea what Russell, Frege, Strawson, Donnellan and others were trying to say. And I know why it is not the case that the present king of France is bald.
excellent phil of lang overview January 4, 2002
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
this book has several things going for it:
first, it is an informative and brief, yet thorough, introduction to some central issues in the philosophy of language. for each issue, lycan summarizes the problems to be solved, explains some theories with which prominent philosophers have attempted to solve them, and provides possible objections and replies to those theories. lycan links each issue smoothly with the next, so that the reader sees clearly how the different problems in the field are related.
second, the reader is provided with chapter introductions, chapter summaries, review questions, and a long bibliography.
third, lycan makes his text entertaining with some great sarcasm, and by creating humorous (yet effective) examples. i actually laughed out loud several times while reading this text.overall, this is a great book. i highly recommend it to beginners in the philosophy of language.
Excellent November 11, 2000
19 out of 23 found this review helpful
If you are going to understand contemporary philosophy, you have to understand the philosophy of language. Prof. Lycan's book is an excellent introduction. First, it is very clearly written and, second, it avoids excessive use of logical symbolism. My only complaints are that there could have been a longer discussion of Frege and more discussion of how questions raised impact other areas of philosophy such as metaphysics and religion. However, Prof. Lycan tells us that these matters will be taken up in the other works in the Routledge Contemporary Introduction to Philosophy series.
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