Beginning with a general theory of function applied to body organs, behaviors, customs, and both inner and outer representations, Ruth Millikan argues that the intentionality of language can be described without reference to speaker intentions and that an understanding of the intentionality of thought can and should be divorced from the problem of understanding consciousness. The results support a realist theory of truth and of universals, and open the way for a nonfoundationalist and nonholistic approach to epistemology.

"Ruth Millikan presents a remarkably original and ambitious theory concerning the topics that have been at the center of philosophical attention in recent years.... Along the way answers are given to just about all the persistent puzzle questions about meaning, intentionality and representation that currently preoccupy the field."
- Daniel C. Dennett, Tufts University

"This is philosophy at its best."
- Fred I. Dretske, University of Wisconsin, Madison

"An exciting book. It is a sustained effort at developing a naturalistic view of intentionality. Millikan's writing is clear, forceful, and illuminating."
- Hector Neri-Casteneda, Indiana University.

Ruth Millikan is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. A Bradford Book.