CFP: Synthese Topical Collection "Non-Assertoric Speech Acts"

Language has a variety of uses. When we make an assertion, we state that something is the case. However, assertion is but one of many ways to use language, many of which have not often been given the attention they deserve in philosophical analysis. We can use language to give commands, ask for information, take back what we said, insult, praise. The purpose of this topical collection will be to make progress toward our understanding of these different speech acts that, at least on the surface, appear to be different from assertion. Understanding speech acts other than assertion is a necessary prerequisite to a better understanding of speech as a unified type of action, in all its multifarious epistemological, societal, and political consequences.

Guest Editors for the topical collection: Luca Incurvati (University of Amsterdam), Leïla Bussière-Caraes (University of Amsterdam), Giorgio Sbardolini (University of Amsterdam), Julian Schlöder (University of Connecticut, Storrs)

Appropriate Topics for Submission include, among others:

- How should the distinction between assertoric and non-assertoric speech acts be cashed out?

- How should non-assertoric speech acts be analysed?

- What does the study of non-assertoric speech acts reveal about speech acts more generally?

- Can typical accounts of assertions in terms of commitments, expression, common ground and norms be extended to non-assertoric speech acts? If so, how?

- Are there rational constraints on non-assertoric speech acts?

- What is the relation between non-assertoric speech acts and non-declarative sentences?

- What is the proper semantic or pragmatic analysis of non-declarative sentences?

- What are the normative consequences of non-assertoric speech acts? For example, how do rejections, retractions, or refusals to assent contribute to argument, disagreement, and debate?

- What is the social and political impact of non-assertoric speech acts?

- What are the ways, if any, in which non-asserting may be used to inflict harm on a social group, or to
prevent harm from being inflicted?

For further information, please contact the guest editors: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2022.

Submissions via: https://www.editorialmanager.com/synt/default.asp