Hodges' Theorem Does not Account for Determinacy of Translation

Leitgeb, Hannes (January 2005): Hodges' Theorem Does not Account for Determinacy of Translation. A Reply to Werning. In: Erkenntnis, Vol. 62, No. 3: pp. 411-425

Abstract

Werning applies a theorem by Hodges in order to put forward an argument against Quine's thesis of the indeterminacy of translation (understood as a thesis on meaning, not on reference) and in favour of what Werning calls `semantic realism'. We show that the argument rests on two critical premises both of which are false. The reasons for these failures are explained and the actual place of this application of Hodges' theorem within Quine's philosophy of language is outlined.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP); Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Logic
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 160 Logic
• ISSN: 1572-8420
• Language: German