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What is Putnam's First Argument for Semantic Externalism (from ordinary speaker intuition)?

User Fredw
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Final answer:

Putnam's first argument for semantic externalism is based on ordinary speaker intuition. It argues that our understanding and use of language is influenced by external factors beyond our control, suggesting that our meanings and reference are determined by our interactions and experiences in the world.

Step-by-step explanation:

Putnam's First Argument for Semantic Externalism (from ordinary speaker intuition)

Putnam's first argument for semantic externalism is based on ordinary speaker intuition. He argues that our understanding and use of language is influenced by external factors beyond our control. For example, our usage of terms like 'water' is shaped by the properties of the substance in the external world that we refer to as water. Putnam's argument suggests that our meanings and reference are determined by our interactions and experiences in the world, rather than being solely dependent on our mental states.

User Rahul Vedpathak
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