The Philosophy of Generative Linguistics - Softcover

Ludlow, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199674477 ISBN 13: 9780199674473

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

Synopsis

Peter Ludlow presents the first book on the philosophy of generative linguistics, including both Chomsky's government and binding theory and his minimalist program. Ludlow explains the motivation of the generative framework, describes its basic mechanisms, and then addresses some of the many interesting philosophical questions and puzzles that arise once we adopt the general theoretical approach. He focuses on what he takes to be the most basic philosophical issues about the ontology of linguistics, about the nature of data, about language/world relations, and about best theory criteria. These are of broad philosophical interest, from epistemology to ethics: Ludlow hopes to bring the philosophy of linguistics to a wider philosophical audience and show that we have many shared philosophical questions. Similarly, he aims to set out the philosophical issues in such a way as to engage readers from linguistics, and to encourage interaction between the two disciplines on foundational issues.

About this title

Review:

Ludlows book contains a rich and highly informed discussion of a wide range of issues in the philosophy of linguistics. It is an excellent and important contribution to this emerging field, and hopefully it will encourage its continuing growth. (Ofra Magidor, Analysis)

About the Author:

Peter Ludlow is Professor of Philosophy at Northwestern University. He taught at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, the University of Michigan, and the University of Toronto before joining Northwestern.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0199674477
• ISBN 13: 9780199674473
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 244