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This work consists of an examination and revision of some of the main theses of Speech Act Theory in relation to the problem of ideology and action-guiding language. Starting from the idea that linguistic philosophy must take into account how the social structure of the linguistic community may influence and direct the way its language is used, a critical method of analysis is proposed, developing Speech Act Theory in a way suitable for this purpose. The main guideline of this proposal is the consideration that a theory of action rather than a theory of meaning should be taken as central in the analysis of language. The notion of illocutionary force, the problem of intentions and conventions in the constitution of speech acts, the definition of context, and the classification of speech acts, are then discussed. Based on the conclusions of this discussion a pragmatic method for the analysis of language is formulated.



Table of Contents
Foreword
vii
1. Introduction
1
2. The Theory of Speech Acts
17
2.1 Performatives
17
2.2 Meaning and Force
31
2.3 Intentions and Conventions
55
3. The Social Aspects of Language-Use
75
3.1 Language as Action in a Social Context
75
3.2 Conventions
87
3.3 Action-guiding Speech Acts
116
4. Conclusion
149
Footnotes
157
References