Publication Details

Abstract

Logical pragmatics, as part of semiotic, is a young discipline which nevertheless, has already gained a right of its existence, due in particular to the work by R. M. Martin. The aim of this study is to present an overview of the results achived so far and of the problems facing this discipline. The first chapter deals with the strivings for an independent existence of logical pragmatics on the beckground of the development of logical syntax and logical semantics. Views and contributions of several authors, such as Carnap, Morris, Martin and Polish logicians, are confronted here. Ate the same time, the contention between the extensionalistic and the intensionalistic conception of semantics is referred to. The second chapter introduces five criteria for the classification of possible systems in logical pragmatics. These are:
1. choice of the corresponding object-language,
2. whether the pragmatic meta-language is formalized or not,
3. whether the starting point is only syntax or semantic also. Semantic may at the same, be translational, non-translational, inscriptional, non-inscriptional, extensional, intensional.
4. which pragmatic terms are chosen as primitive,
5. whether there is question of classificative, comparative, or quantitative pragmatics.
The third chapter analyses, more or less intuitively, the most important pragmatic terms: acceptance, acceptance for action, degree of acceptance, utterance, assertion, belief, preference, understanding. Each term is accompanied by considerations as to its possible application. The term „understanding“ leads on to the problem of intension and quasi-intension. A brief characterization is given on Martin’s concept of intension as it is explained in! his book „Inten sion and Decision“ (1963). The conclusion states that further development of logical pragmatics will without doubt bring along various surprises yet, but even today we may state that it a useful discipline from every point of view.