Language and Reality from a Naturalistic Perspective

This collection highlights Michael Devitt's influential ideas in philosophy, featuring essays that engage with key themes from his work, particularly in language and reality.

This book celebrates the significant contributions to philosophy made by Michael Devitt, a leading figure in the analytic tradition. Language and Reality from a Naturalistic Perspective gathers seventeen original essays by distinguished philosophers from around the globe, each engaging with themes central to Devitt’s work. The essays delve into fundamental issues in the philosophy of linguistics, theory of reference, theory of meaning, methodology, and metaphysics, showcasing the depth and breadth of contemporary philosophical inquiry.

The contributors explore various aspects of Devitt's theories, including his challenge to Chomskyan orthodoxy regarding the nature of language as external rather than internal. In a lengthy concluding chapter, Devitt responds to the essays, elaborating on his views and defending his well-known causal theory of reference. He presents his provocative idea that meanings can be understood as causal, non-descriptive modes of presentation, while also articulating his commitment to scientific realism and biological essentialism.

Language and Reality from a Naturalistic Perspective is a valuable resource for scholars and students with an interest in contemporary theoretical analytic philosophy. It offers profound insights into the work of one of the most influential living philosophers, enhancing readers' understanding of language and reality through a naturalistic lens.