100. We want to say: “Meaning is essentially a mental process, not a
process in dead matter.” – What we are dissatisfied with here is the grammar of
process, not the specific kind of
process.
meaning is a proposal – open to question – open to doubt –
open to description – interpretation –
uncertain
and as far as I know –
dead matter doesn’t question – doubt – describe – interpret –
but I try and keep an open mind
and as for ‘mental’ – and ‘mental process’ –
these are descriptions – proposals to account for – among other things –
‘meaning’ –
that’s all – just proposals
yes – you’ll say – ‘I have a mental life – and it’s real’ –
don’t wish to burst your bubble –
but all we have there is a proposal – common enough – yes –
universally endorsed? – most likely –
just a proposal –
and if you put it to critical attention – you will see –
it is indeed – open to question – open to doubt
© greg t. charlton. 2014.