Language, Meaning, and Use in Indian Philosophy

This introduction brings to life the main themes in Indian philosophy of language by using an accessible translation of an Indian classical text to provide an entry into the world of Indian linguistic theories. Malcolm Keating draws on Mukula's Fundamentals of the Communicative Function to show the ability of language to convey a wide range of meanings and introduce ideas about testimony, pragmatics, and religious implications. Along with a complete translation of this foundational text, Keating also provides: - Clear explanations of themes such as reference, figuration and sentence meaning - Commentary illuminating connections between Mukula and contemporary philosophy - Romanized text of the Sanskrit - A glossary of terms and annotated bibliography - A chronology of important figures and dates By complementing a historically-informed introduction with a focused study of an influential primary text, Keating responds to the need for a reliable guide to better understand theories of language and related issues in Indian philosophy.

Malcolm Keating was Associate Professor of Philosophy at Smith College, USA. His research focuses on philosophy of language and epistemology in early Nyaya and Mimamsa. He is most recently author of Reason in an Uncertain World: Nyaya Philosophers on Argumentation and Living Well (2024) and Classical Sanskrit for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners (2025).

List of Figures List of Tables Foreword, Larry McCrea How to Use This Book Part I: Introduction Why did Mukula Bhatta write the Fundamentals? Indication and Resolving Incongruity: Mukula's Response Understanding Mukula's Context Further Reading by Topic - Locating Linguistic Philosophy - Theories of Word Meaning - Theories of Sentence Meaning - Poetics and Linguistics - After Mukula Part II: English Translation of "The Fundamentals of the Communicative Function" About This Translation Introduction Verses 1-15 Appendix 1: Outline of the Fundamentals of the Communicative Function Appendix 2: Linguistic Examples used by Mukula Part III: Commentary on "The Fundamentals of the Communicative Function" About This Commentary Introduction Verses 1-15 Part IV: Sanskrit Text of the Abhidhavrttamatrka Transliteration Convention Introduction Verses 1-15 Part V: Mukula and Contemporary Linguistic Philosophy Mukula Bhatta on Sentence Meaning and the Semantics-Pragmatics Distinction Mukula Bhatta on Primary and Secondary Meaning A Contemporary Approach to What is Said: François Recanati What is Said, What is Expressed Lessons and Future Inquiry Part VI: Study Resources Glossary Sanskrit Pronunciation Chronology of Important Figures and Dates Bibliography Primary Sources Secondary Sources Subject and Name Index