The Indexical `I': The First Person in Thought and Language (Synthese Library) [Hardcover]

I. Brinck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0792347412 | ISBN-13: 978-0792347415 | Edition: 1

The purpose of the book is twofold: to give a theory of reference for the indexical `I' and to explain what is involved in thinking about oneself. The first part constitutes a critique of different solutions to the problem of how `I' refers, while the second part advances a positive account of `I' and I-thoughts. It is argued that `I' refers indirectly through a de re sense that is based on non-conceptual content. `I' expresses an individual concept with two components: a de re sense and a context-independent self-concept. Other issues that are discussed concern self-knowledge, e.g. whether there is something in specific that we have to know about ourselves to be able to self-refer, and the kind of self-consciousness that is required for self-reference. Furthermore, the notions of unity of consciousness and personal identity, as they both are presupposed by a competent use of `I', are examined. Audience: The book is intended for philosophers of mind and language with a general interest in theories of reference and meaning, and more specifically in the first person, the self, and self-knowledge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (August 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792347412
• ISBN-13: 978-0792347415
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,050,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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