Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the theories of meaning or
artha. It discusses approaches in different schools of thought-Grammarian, Mimamsika, Buddhist, early Naiyayika, Navya Naiyayika, and Vedantin-highlighting the significant relationship between 'word' and 'meaning/knowing/ knowledge'. The author probes and explores the tension between tenets of the Navya-Nyaya school and elucidates on the important changes brought about by the introduction of modes of thought in the theory of meaning. An important contribution to the philosophy of language, this volume demonstrates that classical Indian theory of language can inform and be informed by contemporary philosophy.
This book will interest students and scholars of philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics.
About the Author
Jonardon Ganeri was Reader in Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, University of Liverpool.
Table of Contents
List of Symbols Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART I. MEANING AND MEANINGS
1. Artha: Meanings as Entities
2. ?akti: Meaning as a Relation
PART II. TESTIMONY AND MEANING
3. K?raka: Meanings in Composition
4. ??bdabodha: Meaning and the Structure of Understanding
5. ??bda-pramana: Meaning and Knowing
PART III. THE COGNITIVE BASIS OF MEANING
6. Pravrtti-nimitta: The Basis of Linguistic Practice
7. ?akyat?vacchedaka: Delimiting the Reach of Reference
PART IV. SPECIAL CASES
8. P?ribh?sik?: The Meaning of Names
9. Sarvan?ma: Indexicality and Pronominal Anaphora
Bibliography
Index