Language, Meaning, and Use in Indian Philosophy

This introduction brings to life the main themes in Indian philosophy of language by using an accessible translation of an Indian classical text to provide an entry into the world of Indian linguistic theories.
Malcolm Keating draws on Mukula's Fundamentals of the Communicative Function to show the ability of language to convey a wide range of meanings and introduce ideas about testimony, pragmatics, and religious implications. Along with a complete translation of this foundational text, Keating also provides:
- Clear explanations of themes such as reference, figuration and sentence meaning
- Commentary illuminating connections between Mukula and contemporary philosophy
- Romanized text of the Sanskrit
- A glossary of terms and annotated bibliography
- A chronology of important figures and dates
By complementing a historically-informed introduction with a focused study of an influential primary text, Keating responds to the need for a reliable guide to better understand theories of language and related issues in Indian philosophy.

Malcolm Keating is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Yale-NUS College, Singapore.

List of Figures
List of Tables
Foreword, Larry McCrea
How to Use This Book
Part I: Introduction
Why did Mukula Bhatta write the Fundamentals?
Indication and Resolving Incongruity: Mukula's Response
Understanding Mukula's Context
Further Reading by Topic
- Locating Linguistic Philosophy
- Theories of Word Meaning
- Theories of Sentence Meaning
- Poetics and Linguistics
- After Mukula
Part II: English Translation of "The Fundamentals of the Communicative Function"
About This Translation
Introduction
Verses 1-15
Appendix 1: Outline of the Fundamentals of the Communicative Function
Appendix 2: Linguistic Examples used by Mukula
Part III: Commentary on "The Fundamentals of the Communicative Function"
About This Commentary
Introduction
Verses 1-15
Part IV: Sanskrit Text of the Abhidhavrttamatrka
Transliteration Convention
Introduction
Verses 1-15
Part V: Mukula and Contemporary Linguistic Philosophy
Mukula Bhatta on Sentence Meaning and the Semantics-Pragmatics Distinction
Mukula Bhatta on Primary and Secondary Meaning
A Contemporary Approach to What is Said: François Recanati
What is Said, What is Expressed
Lessons and Future Inquiry

Part VI: Study Resources
Glossary
Sanskrit Pronunciation
Chronology of Important Figures and Dates
Bibliography
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources

Subject and Name Index