List of illustrations

ix

Acknowledgements

1

Note on the text

5

1. Introduction

9

1.1 An ostensive definition of depiction

10

1.2 The analysis of resemblance as sharing properties

13

1.3 An intuitive taxonomy of representation

21

1.4 The methodology of analysis

23

1.5 Conclusion

28

2. Defining Depiction

31

2.1 Grice’s analysis of speaker meaning

32

2.2 The intended effect in Grice’s analysis

35

2.3 The salient feature in Grice’s analysis

39

2.4 Abell’s analysis of depiction

44

2.5 Conclusion

49

3. Depiction and Intention

51

3.1 Objections to the necessity of intention

52

3.2 Objections to the necessity of an audience

57

3.3 Objections to the sufficiency of intention

60

3.4 Objections to the necessity of reasons

63

3.5 Conclusion

66

4. Depiction and Convention

67

4.1 Goodman’s definition of symbol systems

68

4.2 Formal definition of languages

70

4.3 Lewis’ analysis of convention

73

4.4 Analysis of depictive symbol systems

77

4.5 Conclusion

81

5. Symbol Systems

85

5.1 Analysis of conventional language

86

5.2 Analysis of symbol systems in use

88

5.3 Depiction outside of symbol systems

92

5.4 Meaning outside conventional language

94

5.5 Conclusion

96

6. Depiction and Composition

99

6.1 Theories of representation

102

6.2 The finite axiomatization constraint

105

6.3 The mirror constraint

108

6.4 The structural constraint

111

6.5 Conclusion

114

7. Interpreting Images

117

7.1 Compositionality and language understanding

118

7.2 Compositionality and understanding pictures

122

7.3 Understanding pictures without compositionality

126

7.4 Understanding language without compositionality

130

7.5 Conclusion

136

8. Intentionality and Inexistence

139

8.1 Analysing depiction in intentional terms

141

8.2 Denying depiction is relational

145

8.3 Denying relations are between existents

148

8.4 Depiction of states of affairs

151

8.5 Conclusion

157

9. Perspective and Possibility

159

9.1 The possible worlds analysis of content

159

9.2 Centred properties and possible worlds

161

9.3 The two-dimensional analysis of content

168

9.4 Structured intensions and impossible worlds

172

9.5 Conclusion

177

10. Pictures and Properties

179

10.1 Predicate nominalism

182

10.2 Class nominalism

185

10.3 Scientific realism

188

10.4 Inegalitarian nominalism

193

10.5 Conclusion

196

References

199

Index

207