Assertion is a term frequently used in linguistics and philosophy but rarely defined. This in-depth study surveys and synthesizes a range of philosophical, linguistic and psychological literature on the topic, and then presents a detailed account of the cognitive processes involved in the interpretation of assertions.

'Jary's synthesis of linguistic, cognitive scientific and philosophical insights about assertion, so necessary at this stage of inquiry, is simply masterful: just the right degree of comprehensiveness; meticulous and balanced exegesis; and extreme clarity. There can be no question that this book will now become the point of departure for future studies of assertion as a unified, multifaceted cognitive-social phenomenon.' Rob Stainton, University of Western Ontario, Canada

'[This] book is well organized and engaging. Jary writes clearly and passionately, and I can recommend the book to anyone with a serious interest in assertion, and not just because it is the first monograph on the topic.' - Peter Pagin, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

Autorentext
MARK JARY teaches Linguistics, Translation and Philosophy of Language at Roehampton University, London, UK. His previous publications include papers in Linguistics and Philosophy, Lingua and The Journal of Pragmatics.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements Introduction Assertion in Speech-act Theory Assertion, Belief and Knowledge A sign of Assertion Assertion and Common Ground Assertion and Mood Assertion and Main Point Assertion and Relevance Conclusion References Index