Donald Davidson: Meaning, Truth, Language, and Reality - Hardcover

Lepore, Ernest; Ludwig, Kirk

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199251347 ISBN 13: 9780199251346

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2005

Synopsis

Ernest Lepore and Kirk Ludwig present the definitive critical exposition of the philosophical system of Donald Davidson (1917-2003). Davidson's ideas had a deep and broad influence in the central areas of philosophy; he presented them in brilliant essays over four decades, but never set out explicitly the overarching scheme in which they all have their place. Lepore's and Ludwig's book will therefore be the key work, besides Davidson's own, for understanding one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century.

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Review

an outstanding book on Davidson's achievement...a model of excellent scholarship both for students and scholars. (Dr Alessandro Capone, University of Messina)

In this monumental work, Ernest Lepore and Kirk Ludwig have done for Davidson what he did not do for himself. For those interested in a synoptic account of Davidsons deep but elusive philosophical project, this book is cause for celebration. . . . From now on, anyone working on Davidson is obligated to learn the lessons of this important book (Peter Hanks, International Quarterly of Philosophy)

Ernie Lepore and Kirk Ludwig have done the philosophical community a great service by beginning the project of providing an accessible account of Davidson's work, along with an informed and sympathetic critical analysis. . . . A review cannot do justice to the rich, intricate, and valuable analysis presented in this book. One of its main strengths is the introduction of nicely crafted distinctions used in clear and helpful reconstructions of Davidson's arguments. It is easy to find one's way around in this work, as there are clear guideposts to what will be covered in each chapter, and excellent summaries at the end of both chapters and sections. . . . Though complex and subtle, this book will be accessible to undergraduate philosophy majors with a taste for hard work. . . . this is also a must read for any Davidson scholar. . . . the complexity, cleverness, creativity, and intellectual stamina of Davidson's work shines out in this book (James W. Garson, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews)

They offer a straight-ahead, analytic Davidson and their rendition is, I think, pitch perfect. Not only do they get Davidson right in general terms, but on every disputed point of exegesis, their careful reconstructions of Davidson's views are exactly right. This is, therefore, a very impressive, and a very useful achievement. (Simon Evnine, Mind)

Lepore and Ludwig have provided a magnificently impressive critical detailed account of Donald Davidsons contributions to the philosophy of logic, language, and mind. (Gilbert Harman, Princeton University)

About the Author

Ernie Lepore is Associate Director of the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Kirk Ludwig is Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Philosophy Department at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0199251347
• ISBN 13: 9780199251346
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 466