Interpretation of speech acts

Metaphors and the role of abduction

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-6746.2022.1.40490

Keywords:

Interpretation, Speech acts, Intentionality, Abduction, Metaphors

Abstract

In this article, we briefly present a Searlian theory of speech act interpretation. We show through the example of metaphors that, as proposed by Searle, the interpretation of speech acts would consist in recognizing the speaker’s intention. This process would take place through the use of conventional language rules both by the speaker and the listener. However, metaphors are an example that this proposed interpretation is not sufficient to describe the process by which agents interpret speech acts. We argue that the notion of strategic rules must be added to this process. Following Peirce, two strategic rules are offered: the principle of coherence and the principle of economy. It also seems satisfactory to add the principle of non-contradiction. Although empirical studies are not definitive on the theme of interpretation, especially on metaphors, the results point to the application of strategic rules in interpretation. Finally, it is suggested that if Searle is right that interpretation is recognition of the speaker’s intent, then interpretation depends on the use of conventional rules and the use of strategic rules.

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Author Biographies

Bernardo Alonso, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brasil.

Doutor em Filosofia pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil e pela University of Hertfordshire (UF), Hertfordshire, Reino Unido; mestre em filosofia pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil; professor associado do Departamento de Filosofia da Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), em Cuiabá, MT, Brasil.

José Carlos Camillo, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brasil.

Doutorando em Filosofia pela Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), em Goiânia, GO, Brasil; mestre em Filosofia pela Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), em Cuiabá, MT, Brasil; bolsista da Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa no Estado de Goiás (FAPEG), em Goiânia, GO, Brasil.

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Published

2022-06-30

How to Cite

Alonso, B., & Camillo, J. C. (2022). Interpretation of speech acts: Metaphors and the role of abduction. Veritas (Porto Alegre), 67(1), e40490. https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-6746.2022.1.40490

Issue

Section

Epistemology & Philosophy of Language