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Robert B. Brandom

Making It Explicit: Reasoning, Representing & Discursive Commitment

"Making It Explicit: Reasoning, Representing & Discursive Commitment" by Robert B. Brandom is a seminal work in the field of philosophy of language and mind. The book, first published in 1994, offers a comprehensive and original theory of language, meaning, and thought, which is grounded in the notion of discursive commitment. Brandom's central argument is that meaning is not a matter of correspondence between words and things in the world, but rather a matter of the inferential relations between words and other words. According to Brandom, when we use language, we are making explicit our commitments to certain claims and inferences, and we are also acknowledging our responsibilities to defend those commitments in light of further inquiry. The book is divided into three parts. The first part lays out Brandom's theory of meaning, which he calls "inferentialism." Brandom argues that meaning is a matter of the inferential relations between words, and that these relations are governed by social practices of giving and asking for reasons. The second part of the book applies this theory to the philosophy of mind, arguing that mental states are best understood as having a normative, inferential structure. The third part of the book explores the implications of Brandom's theory for issues in the philosophy of language, such as reference, truth, and meaning. Throughout the book, Brandom engages with a wide range of philosophical traditions, including analytic philosophy, pragmatism, and Continental philosophy. He also draws on a variety of disciplines, including linguistics, cognitive science, and computer science, to support his arguments. "Making It Explicit" is a challenging but rewarding read, and it offers a fresh and insightful perspective on some of the most fundamental questions in philosophy. Brandom's theory of meaning and discursive commitment has had a significant impact on the field, and it continues to be a subject of ongoing debate and discussion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy of language, mind, and knowledge...