Philosophy Pragmatics Questions
The role of context in pragmatics is crucial as it helps to determine the meaning of utterances beyond their literal interpretation. Context includes various factors such as the physical environment, social setting, cultural background, and shared knowledge between the speaker and the listener. It provides additional information that aids in understanding the speaker's intended meaning, implicatures, and the appropriate interpretation of ambiguous or vague language. Context also helps in resolving references, understanding speech acts, and interpreting non-literal language such as metaphors or sarcasm. Overall, context plays a fundamental role in pragmatics by shaping and enriching the meaning of communication.