Abstract

A critique of structural theories of semantics, Particularly of the system developed by fodor and katz. The paper shows that such theories rest on misconceptions of sentential meaning and meaningfulness, Which it is argued, Admits of degree and varies with context. Also, Metaphorical meaning is bound to remain outside the theoretical reach of such systems, Which conceive of the everyday use of language as a mechanical process and not partly a creative one. Finally, It is argued that analogies rather than rules are used in the process of semantic interpretation.