Sainsbury and Tye present a new theory, 'originalism', which provides natural, simple solutions to puzzles about thought that have troubled philosophers for centuries. They argue that concepts are to be individuated by their origin, rather than epistemically or semantically. Although thought is special, no special mystery attaches to its nature.

• Preface


• 1: The puzzles


• 2: Roads not taken


• 3: Overview of an originalist theory of concepts


• 4: The originalist theory defended and elaborated


• 5: Concept externalism, originalism and privileged access


• 6: The metaphysics of thought


• 7: The puzzles solved


• 8: Further applications: originalism and experience


• 9: Objections and replies


• References


• Index

R. M. Sainsbury taught at the University of Oxford, University of Essex, and University of London (where he was Susan Stebbing Professor of Philosophy) before coming to the University of Texas in 2002
Michael Tye encountered philosophy at Oxford, and taught at Temple University, St Andrews, and the University of London before coming to Austin in 2003. He is Dallas TACA Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts