Inferential Contextualism

Inferential Contextualism is a theory in philosophy that suggests our understanding of language and meaning is influenced by the context in which we interpret it, especially regarding inferences we make. It posits that what we infer from statements can vary based on situational factors, background knowledge, and the specific conversational environment. Rather than having fixed meanings, words and phrases can shift in interpretation, making our reasoning dynamic and context-dependent, thus highlighting the importance of context in communication and understanding.