Semantics versus Pragmatics

Semantics Versus Pragmatics is a collection of ten papers by some of the most influential contemporary analytic philosophers of language, preceded by an informative and accessible introduction by the book's editor. The book is important because the papers it contains reflect a wide range of views concerning the lively debate that is currently taking place concerning how, and whether, the distinction between pragmatics and semantics is to be drawn. . . . [they] provide ample evidence that analytic philosophy of language is in the midst of a lively debate that has produced, and is likely to continue producing, important clarifications and insights.

• Introduction ; 1. Context ex Machina ; 2. Radical and Moderate Pragmatics: Does Meaning Determine Truth Conditions? ; 3. Semantics, Pragmatics, and the Role of Semantic Content ; 4. Two Concepts of Semantics ; 5. Focus: A Case Study on the Semantics/Pragmatics Boundary ; 6. Pragmatism and Pronouns ; 7. Deixis and Anaphora ; 8. Presupposition and Relevance ; 9. Naming and Asserting ; 10. In Defence of Non-Sentential Assertion