Correspondence and Disquotation An Essay on the Nature of Truth [Hardcover]

Marian David defends the correspondence theory of truth against the disquotational theory of truth, its current major rival. The correspondence theory asserts that truth is a philosophically rich and profound notion in need of serious explanation. Disquotationalists offer a radically deflationary account inspired by Tarski and propagated by Quine and others. They reject the correspondence theory, insist truth is anemic, and advance an anti-theory of truth that is essentially a collection of platitudes: Snow is white is true if and only if snow is white; Grass is green is true if and only if grass is green. According to disquotationalists the only profound insight about truth is that it lacks profundity. David contrasts the correspondence theory with disquotationalism and then develops the latter position in rich detail--more than has been available in previous literature--to show its faults. He demonstrates that disquotationalism is not a tenable theory of truth, as it has too many absurd consequences.

Marian David's book contains the most detailed and thorough examination I have seen of 'disquotationalism,' a view that is currently popular but which, as David's book shows, is beset with fundamental difficulties. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of the concept of truth. --Anil Gupta,Indiana University

A careful and informed discussion of the two most important types of theories of truth, the correspondence theories and the disquotational theories. David presents the theories and issues well, and raises some important challenges that disquotational theories must meet. His book will raise the level of discussion of the theory of truth. --Hartry Field,City University of New York

...excellent little book...I enjoyed this book very much. It is clear, tightly argued and represents the most searching examination of disquotationalism that has yet appeared. It deservesl#A