Description
Book SynopsisFiction, Reference, and Nonexistence contains a new, contemporary theory of fiction and discusses the connection between language and reality. Martinich and Stroll, two of America's leading philosophers, explore fiction and undertake an analytic philosophical study of fiction and its reference, and its relation to truth.
Trade ReviewRejecting standard presuppositions that have guided much of the debate about fictional discourse, Stroll and Martinich offer a novel approach to fictional discourse—indeed, theirs is clearly the most developed and important ordinary language-style treatment of fictional discourse available. This is essential reading for anyone interested in fictional discourse, and also will be relevant to those with broader concerns about meaning and reference and the relation between fiction and history. -- Amie Thomasson, University of Miami
An interesting, enlightening book. . . . Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and up. * CHOICE, Vol. 45 No. 6 (February 2008) *
A. P. Martinich and Avrum Stroll have written a crisply argued and fascinating book about fiction and reference. Clear and penetrating, the book performs its two tasks—as a study in the philosophy of language of the nature of reference and a defense of a conception of fictional discourse—in such a way that students are bound to learn a great deal about both. It will serve as an excellent survey of some major developments in twentieth century philosophy of language as well as a providing a compelling view of what fictional discourse is. -- Michael L. Morgan, Chancellor's Professor, Department of Philosophy, Indiana University
Table of ContentsPart 1 Part I: Fiction and Reference Chapter 2 A Theory of Fiction Chapter 3 Pretense and Fiction Chapter 4 History and Fiction Part 5 Part II: Reference and Non-Existence Chapter 6 Fiction and Reference Again Chapter 7 Direct Reference Theories and Natural Kinds
