Knowledge of Meaning

Knowledge of Meaning is a comprehensive textbook that examines the foundations of linguistic semantics and the philosophy of language. The work presents core theories about how humans create and interpret meaning through language. The book progresses systematically through key concepts in semantics, including truth conditions, compositionality, reference, and quantification. It incorporates exercises and study questions that allow readers to engage with complex linguistic concepts. Larson and Segal integrate perspectives from multiple disciplines, drawing on cognitive science, formal logic, and philosophical investigations of mind and language. Their analytical framework demonstrates how meaning emerges from the interaction of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The text serves as both an introduction to semantic theory and an exploration of fundamental questions about the nature of human communication and understanding. Its approach bridges theoretical linguistics with broader inquiries into how minds process and represent information.

Students and professors note this book works as both a textbook and reference for semantics and linguistic meaning. Reviews emphasize its clarity in explaining complex concepts and its methodical approach to formal semantics. Liked: - Clear progression from basic to advanced topics - Comprehensive coverage of semantic theory - Useful exercises and examples - Strong technical explanations of formal logic Disliked: - Dense writing style in later chapters - Some sections require extensive background in logic - Price point too high for students - Limited discussion of newer semantic theories Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) One linguistics PhD student noted: "The first few chapters provide an accessible foundation, but the formal logic sections demand significant effort." A professor commented: "More thorough than most semantics texts, though students struggle with the notation and proofs in the second half."

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🔹 The book bridges formal semantics and philosophy of language, making complex theories accessible to students while maintaining academic rigor. 🔹 Richard Larson has contributed significantly to the field of syntax, particularly known for his work on double object constructions and "Light Verb" theories. 🔹 The text addresses fundamental questions about meaning that have puzzled philosophers for centuries, including how we can know the meaning of an infinite number of sentences when we only learn a finite number of words. 🔹 Gabriel Segal's research explores the intersection of linguistics and cognitive science, particularly focusing on how the mind represents semantic knowledge. 🔹 The book introduces the influential theory of Truth-Conditional Semantics, developed by Donald Davidson, which proposes that understanding a sentence's meaning is equivalent to knowing its truth conditions.