Problem of ignorance and error

Definition

The problem of ignorance and error refers to the challenges that arise in understanding how language refers to objects or entities in the world, particularly when individuals lack knowledge about those entities or make mistakes in their beliefs. This issue becomes especially relevant in theories of reference, where it highlights how descriptions might fail to accurately pick out the intended referent, leading to miscommunication or misunderstanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of ignorance and error illustrates how a speaker may use a name without knowing all the relevant information about what they are referring to.
2. In descriptive theories, ignorance or error can lead to situations where a speaker believes they are referring to an entity but are actually failing to do so due to incomplete or inaccurate descriptions.
3. Causal-historical theories address this problem by emphasizing the importance of the historical connection between the speaker and the referent, potentially mitigating misunderstandings due to ignorance.
4. The impact of ignorance and error extends beyond individual communication, influencing broader discussions about knowledge, belief, and meaning in semantics.
5. Philosophical debates surrounding this problem often focus on how language users can correctly identify referents when faced with uncertainty or misinformation.

Review Questions

• How does the problem of ignorance and error challenge descriptive theories of reference?
  • The problem of ignorance and error challenges descriptive theories by showing that if a speaker uses a description to refer to an object without knowing all relevant details, their intended reference might be incorrect. This leads to situations where the description does not accurately pick out the intended object, creating potential misunderstandings. Descriptive theories struggle to account for these instances because they rely on the accuracy of descriptions to establish reference.
• In what ways do causal-historical theories provide solutions to issues related to the problem of ignorance and error?
  • Causal-historical theories provide solutions by emphasizing that reference is established through a causal chain rather than solely through descriptions. This means that even if a speaker is ignorant about certain properties of an object, they can still successfully refer to it if there is a direct historical link from them back to the original naming event. This perspective shifts the focus from knowledge about properties to the relationship between speakers and referents, helping mitigate misunderstandings arising from ignorance.
• Evaluate how the problem of ignorance and error informs our understanding of meaning in language.
  • The problem of ignorance and error significantly informs our understanding of meaning in language by highlighting the complexities involved in reference and communication. It raises critical questions about how meaning is derived not just from words but from shared knowledge and context. By examining cases where misunderstandings occur due to lack of knowledge or erroneous beliefs, we can better appreciate the role of context, intent, and shared experiences in shaping meaning. This evaluation also prompts deeper discussions about how individuals navigate uncertainty in communication and the implications for language theory as a whole.

Related terms

Descriptive Theory of Reference: A theory that holds that the reference of a name is determined by a set of descriptions or properties that the name satisfies.

Causal-Historical Theory of Reference: A theory that posits that names refer to objects through a causal chain of communication starting from the initial naming event.

Contextualism: The view that the meaning and reference of expressions can change depending on the context in which they are used.