Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of LanguageMerleau-Ponty’s status as a philosopher of perception is well-established, but his distinctive contributions to the philosophy and phenomenology of language have yet to be fully appreciated. Through detailed, clear, and accessible analyses of Merleau-Ponty’s views of linguistic meaning, expression, and understanding, and by tracing the evolution and development of these views throughout the course of his philosophical career, Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Language offers a global and comprehensive picture of his engagement with the philosophy of language. This book demonstrates that the phenomenology of language is essential for grasping the meaning and motivations behind some of Merleau-Ponty’s most celebrated philosophical contributions. It argues that his philosophy of language should take on a central role in our appraisal of the development and basic goals of his thought. And it suggests that the success of phenomenology’s return to the ‘things themselves’ must be judged not only by the evidence of intuition, but also by the labour of expression. |
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according activity aims already analysis appear approach argues articulate assumptions attempt authentic basic become behaviour chapter claims cogito concepts conclusions consciousness considered constitution continuity course creative defined describe detail develop dialectical dialogue directed distinction earlier early empirical encountered engagement essences evidence example existing experience explain expression fact findings flesh formal fundamental further gesture given goal guided helps Husserl ideal identify important institution intentional interest interpretation intersubjective language later leads limited linguistic meaning literary lived Merleau Merleau-Ponty metaphysical modes of expression natural objects observations offer ontology original particular passivity perceived perceptual perceptual experience perspectives phenomenology philosophical position possible present problem question reading refers reflection relation remains remarks requires role sens sense signification speaking speech structure suggests things thinks thought tion transcendental transforms truth ultimately understanding understood writings