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Theories of Meaning

Theories of meaning explore how we understand and interpret words, symbols, and expressions. Key theories include: 1. **Referential Theory**: Meaning comes from the objects or concepts words refer to. 2. **Use Theory**: Meaning is shaped by how we use words in different contexts. 3. **Truth-Conditional Theory**: Meaning is linked to the conditions under which statements can be said to be true. 4. **Intentionality**: Focuses on the speaker's intentions and the thoughts behind communication. Each theory sheds light on how language conveys ideas, relationships, and emotions, influencing our understanding of the world.

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    Theories of meaning explore how language expresses thoughts and ideas. Major theories include the referential theory, which focuses on words connecting to objects or concepts in the world; the use theory, emphasizing how meaning arises from how words are used in context; and the truth-conditional theory, linking statements to the conditions under which they can be considered true or false. Essentially, these theories seek to explain how we understand and derive meaning from language in communication, shaping our knowledge and interactions with the world.