The pragmatic theory of meaning: negotiation by stealth

In this paper I use the Kripke-Wittgenstein sceptical solution to the rule-following problem to construct a pragmatic theory of meaning. The sceptical solution requires, first, that we supply an account of our language game of speaking or rules, or in the case Kripke considers, of speaking of meanings, and second, an account of the utility of playing the game. I argue that the account of the language game is an account of 'negotiations about the meanings of expressions', and that, within this category of negotiation, we can distinguish two complementary types of negotiation, which I call 'negotiation by stealth' and 'negotiation by storm'. I then focus on providing an account of negotiation by stealth, which I argue is the most important form of negotiation. I start by drawing on David Lewis' notion of a rule of accommodation to construct a rule of accommodation for meaning and then show how it forms the basis of negotiation by stealth. I then examine the utility of engaging in negotiation by stealth, and provide some suggestions for the direction of future research. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.