Semantic Powers: Meaning and the Means of Knowing in Classical Indian Philosophy

Jonardon Ganeri

Book 1 of Oxford Philosophical Monographs

Language: English

Published: Jun 10, 1999

Description:

Jonardon Ganeri gives an account of language as essentially a means for the reception of knowledge. The semantic power of a word and its ability to stand for a thing derives from the capacity of understanders to acquire knowledge simply by understanding what is said. Ganeri finds this account in the work of certain Indian philosophers of language, and shows how their analysis can inform and be informed by contemporary philosophical theory.

Review

`I urge philosphers of language to read this book to become apprised of the classical Indian theorizing at its most sophisticated stage' Stephen H. Phillips, Dept of Philosophy, University of Texas, Mind, Vol.110, No.439

`to be recommended for all serious students of Indian philosophy as well as for the targeted professional philosopher who knows little or nothing about classical India' Stephen H. Phillips, Dept of Philosophy, University of Texas, Mind, Vol.110, No.439

`Jonardon Ganeri has brought to scholarly accessibility the communication theory of a seventeenth-century philosopher who is practically unknown out-side the sphere of traditional Sanskrit learning' Stephen H. Phillips, Dept of Philosophy, University of Texas, Mind, Vol.110, No.439

`Ganeri has succeeded remarkably well in "translating" Navya-Nyaya thought into contemporary idiom and debate in areas where it presents a real contribution to modern concerns in linguistics and philosophy of language ... a penetrating and impressive analysis of a difficult area of classical Indian philosophy presented in a contemporary light. It should provide stimulating reading for philosophers, linguists and Indologists alike.' Eivind Kahrs, THES 17/3/00

About the Author

Jonardon Ganeri is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Nottingham. He held positions previously at the Universities of London and Stirling.