Donald Davidson (1917-2003) was one of the most important philosophers of the late twentieth century. His work on language and the theory of meaning has been particularly influential.Two of the world''s leading authorities on Davidson''s philosophy, Ernest Lepore and Kirk Ludwig, provide a systematic exposition of his work in this field and of his contributions to philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and epistemology which spring from it. Their second aim is to assess Davidson''s program critically, to mark its successes, but also to identify where its ccomplishments fall short of its ambitions, and, since it is an on-going research program, to assess its prospects for the future, and to contribute to the expansion of that program. Criticizing and extending Davidson''s thought, as well as providing an introduction to it, Lepore and Ludwig address a broad academic audience. Their work will be of fundamental importance for those who are coming to Davidson''s work for the first time; while some philosophical sophistication and training is presupposed, it is accessible both to advanced undergraduates and to graduate students. It will also be welcomed by professional philosophers, linguists, and anyone wishing to assess and understand Davidson''s remarkable intellectual legacy.
Industry Reviews
`Review from previous edition Ernie Lepore and Kirk Ludwig have done the philosophical community a great service by beginning the project of providing an accessible account of Davidson's work, along with an informed and sympathetic critical analysis.... A review cannot do justice to the rich, intricate, and valuable analysis presented in this book. One of its main strengths is the introduction of nicely crafted distinctions used in clear and helpful
reconstructions of Davidson's arguments. It is easy to find one's way around in this work, as there are clear guideposts to what will be covered in each chapter, and excellent summaries at the end of both
chapters and sections.... this book will be accessible to undergraduate philosophy majors with a taste for hard work.... this is also a must read for any Davidson scholar.... the complexity, cleverness, creativity, and intellectual stamina of Davidson's work shines out in this book'
James W. Garson, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
`They offer a straight-ahead, analytic Davidson and their rendition is, I think, pitch perfect. Not only do they get Davidson right in general terms, but on every disputed point of exegesis, their careful reconstructions of Davidson's views are exactly right. This book is, therefore, a very impressive, and a very useful achievement.'
Simon Evnine, Mind
`Lepore and Ludwig have provided a magnificently impressive critical detailed account of Donald Davidsons contributions to the philosophy of logic, language, and mind.'
Gilbert Harman, Princeton University
