Journal article
II—Jason Stanley: Hornsby On The Phenomenology Of Speech
Year:
2005Published in:
The Aristotelian Society Supplementary VolumeHornsby
semantic knowledge
practical knowledge
voicing thoughts
decision-making
The central claim is that Hornsby's argument that semantic knowledge is practical knowledge is based upon a false premise. I argue, contra Hornsby, that speakers do not voice their thoughts directly. Rather, our actions of voicing our thoughts are justified by decisions we make (albeit rapidly) about what words to use. Along the way, I raise doubts about other aspects of the thesis that semantic knowledge is practical knowledge