Linda Wetzel
Georgetown
"What is a word?"
Before we can tackle the metaphysics of words—that is, whether they are abstract objects, kinds, space-time continuants, or etc.—we should try to get straight on what a word is: what are its properties and individuating conditions. And what better place to start on this quest but with linguistics. Linguistics assures us there are at least eight kinds of word. Section one will characterize these kinds of word with an eye towards seeing (a) how very theoretical most of these conceptions are; and (b) whether any of these conceptions jive with our ordinary conception of a word. Section two will consider whether the best we can do is regard word as a cluster concept of the eight concepts mentioned. Section three will try to do better: to present and defend an ordinary conception of a word.
Georgetown
"What is a word?"
Before we can tackle the metaphysics of words—that is, whether they are abstract objects, kinds, space-time continuants, or etc.—we should try to get straight on what a word is: what are its properties and individuating conditions. And what better place to start on this quest but with linguistics. Linguistics assures us there are at least eight kinds of word. Section one will characterize these kinds of word with an eye towards seeing (a) how very theoretical most of these conceptions are; and (b) whether any of these conceptions jive with our ordinary conception of a word. Section two will consider whether the best we can do is regard word as a cluster concept of the eight concepts mentioned. Section three will try to do better: to present and defend an ordinary conception of a word.