O significado sob uma perspectiva naturalista : representações humanas e símbolos linguísticos

Abstract

The central theme of the present dissertation is an analysis of meaning under a naturalist perspective. To do so, the main pillars of Millikan’s biosemantics theory were investigated, which regard the ideas of teleology, intentionality and normal projection function such as representation, given that the philosopher, within the scope of philosophy of mind, combines teleology and semantics. The core of her theory of signs is the naturalized intentionality (LTOBC, WQPA, VM). The main axis is its proper function, a theoretical version of the practical notion of purpose, an idea that originated from biology. Millikan’s biosemantics theory concentrates on the scope of teleosemantics, which seeks to explain how representations are used in communication. Moreover, she takes the concept of substance to stipulate how one can track contents related to semantic signs in that, in her conception, the constitution of the naturalist meaning is not a mere application of rules, although it depends on an externalist relationship with objects. Millikan’s approach is viable because, in face of a biological concept, it is based on an empirical data. She explains how biological, psychological and linguistical categories are significant and, at times, may result in errors and/or fail. Throughout this dissertation, we will expose the origins of the concepts of biological function, mental intentionality and signs, connecting Millikan’s perspective to that of authors such as Dretske, Brentano and Peirce.