Communication and Logic: II. an Explanation Sketch of Meaning

Abstract

Central to the problem of communication is the problem regarding the meaning of “meaning.” The term “communication” is recognized as being spoken of in other frames of reference than those entailing “meaning.” Communication is here considered as that process concerned with the elicitation of ideas in the mind of some interpreter. Recently offered viewpoints on the nature of “meaning” raise serious questions. The ideas of other investigators imply an explanation sketch which points in the direction of fruitful research. This sketch entails considerations of the nature of “explanation” and “understanding.” The common elements found in instances of “communication,” “explanation,” and “understanding” are validity patterns or logical laws. Current research indicates communication to be a function of these patterns.