Understanding Language Use

Abstract This chapter introduces the main tools from the philosophy of language that the reader will need in order to understand the main arguments of the book. First, the focus is on the nature of communication. It is shown to be intentional. When we communicate things, we intend to do so. Communication is also inferential. In other words, we need to figure out what a person means by what they say. We also need to figure out what to say so that our interlocutor can correctly identify our intended meaning. Communication is also shown to be both cooperative and contextually sensitive. Second, this chapter introduces the basics of speech act theory, illuminating how saying something can also sometimes perform an action in addition to conveying meaning. Finally, this chapter introduces, and offers a stance on, a debate between Intentionalism and Conventionalism about speech acts.