Some arguments for a mental semantics without sentences

Abstract

An alternative to Fodor's ‘inner language’ theory is sketched, in which mental models provide a semantics for natural language. This approach shows promise of being able to solve three problems concerning belief sentences: the problem of distinguishing necessary truths, the problem of indexicality, and Kripke's ‘Pierre’ problem. Arguments given by Fodor and Lycan in favor of the inner language are countered, and several other arguments against inner sentences and in favor of the alternative are given.