Following a rule: A critique of algorithmic models of meaning and morality.

Item

Title
Following a rule: A critique of algorithmic models of meaning and morality.
Identifier
AAI9510715
identifier
9510715
Creator
Schoelkopf, Constantin.
Contributor
Adviser: Bernhard Baumrin
Date
1994
Language
English
Publisher
City University of New York.
Subject
Philosophy
Abstract
The dissertation attempts to show why the semantic paradox as developed in Kripke's book on Wittgenstein has received so much philosophical attention. I argue that philosophy of language since Frege has adopted a certain model of language, maintaining that language is a calculus and that the meaning of a word is essentially rule-like. I also attempt to show that Kant's deontological moral theory, and rule-utilitarianism can be understood to consider rules as essential for morality. The rule-following paradox Kripke develops apparently shows that rule-following is impossible, jeopardizing the views mentioned. I try to show that Kripke's meaning skepticism and the view of language and morality as calculi share the same presuppositions, and rest on the fact that philosophers misunderstand the terms they use in order to create philosophical theories.
Type
dissertation
Source
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
degree
Ph.D.
Item sets
CUNY Legacy ETDs