Word — proposition — dialogue

Abstract

In the attempt to work out a language model which could give a key to the philosophical questions related to language as am allembracing phenomenon, the author offers a critical analysis of those proposals which take isolated word and/or proposition as their model, and argues for an alternative approach which would favour the dialog as its paradigm. The analysis of the analytical conception of language shows that the primacy of proposition, the dominant principle of language atomisation and compositionality together with the orientation on universal semantics and logical formalization of natural languages actually present a reduction of such meaning dimensions in language which are most prominent in its concrete realization - that is in dialogue. The author stresses the atmosphere of a dialogue, situational context and phenomenal level of speech - all of which are important for the constitution of meaning. The conviction propagated here is that philosophical theory which starts with dialogue as a model is closer to the essence of natural language.