Meaning Approached Via Proofs

Since the appearance of the linguistic turn of philosophy,the study of the meaning of language has become more and more important.Therefore,several theories about meaning developed accordingly.Among them,Proof-theoretic Semantics,replacing the traditional Truth-condition Semantics,is a new concept of how to analyze meaning.Hence,the purpose of this thesis is to provide a specific analysis of Proof-theoretic Semantics.It mainly studies the connotation and advantages of Proof-theoretic Semantics through a comparative study of Proof-theoretic Semantics and Truth-condition Semantics.The thesis consists of four parts:The first part introduces two main study approaches of contemporary semantics-Truth-condition Semantics and Proof-theoretic Semantics via reviewing the traditions of semantic study.Through analysis of the connotation of Truth-condition Semantics and its problems in the process of meaning presentation,the thesis highlights the importance of studying Proof-theoretic Semantics and mainly introduces its rise and development.The second part discusses the basic thoughts of Proof-Theoretic Semantics,including its core concepts,theoretical backgrounds,logical basis and its characteristics,etc.The third part explores the relationships among Proof-theoretic Semantics,Cognitive Semantics and Semantic Anti-realism.Based on the main thoughts of Proof-theoretic Semantics and the viewpoints of semantic anti-realism,the thesis identifies Proof-theoretic Semantics as an important view of cognitive semantics.Besides,the author elaborates the advantages and disadvantages of Proof-theoretic Semantics and points out the future development of Proof-theoretic Semantics.The last part is conclusion.It makes a summary about the whole article.