The problem you pose isn't one. — StreetlightX
No. Meaning is not an equality claim. Meanings are not even claims at all. Hence the link — StreetlightX
This is a paradox because we have to know the meaning of ''meaning'' before we can assign it meaning. — TheMadFool
But meaning is not at all exhausted by definitions. — StreetlightX
The paradox arises out if the neverending desire for truth where there isn't any — Rich
They are two distinct concepts. — A Son of Rosenthal
I don‘t know if the meaning of meaning is meaning, or not. Perhaps there is an other meaning, perhaps not! I don‘t know if the writings on this wall of the Cave are Sophisticated or not, do you — Vajk
Still, there are words which need to have a fixed meaning and ''meaning'' is one of them. — TheMadFool
Definitions are statements expressing the essential nature of something.What is the definition of ''definition''? Or
What is the meaning of ''meaning''? — TheMadFool
When I see a new word being used, I still don't get the meaning. I end up referencing the dictionary to know what the word means.But meaning is not at all exhausted by definitions. In fact definitions ought to be perhaps the last thing one ought to consider when thinking about meaning at all, such is the awfulness of thinking of meaning in that way. — StreetlightX
When I see a new word being used, I still don't get the meaning. I end up referencing the dictionary to know what the word means. — Harry Hindu
Oh wait that is impossible! — Vajk
I just don't see a paradox. I just provided the definition of "definition", without using the word, "definition" in the definition.1. The definition of ''definition'' is...
That's a circularity that generates a paradox: we have to define ''definition'' but to do so we need to know the definition of ''definition''.
2. The meaning of ''meaning'' is...
That too is circular and generates the paradox of having to know the meaning of ''meaning'' before we can assign it meaning. — TheMadFool
Definitions are statements expressing the essential nature of something. — Harry Hindu
Without meaning being permanent, communication is impossible. As you correctly pointed, it needs consensus, and that's a way of making meaning permanent. — TheMadFool
Anyway, I don't see how, in the world you describe, the paradox is solved. You still need to know the meaning of ''meaning''.
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.