Abstract
According to inferential role semantics (IRS), for an expression to have a particular meaning or express a certain concept is for subjects to be disposed to make, or to treat as proper, certain inferential transitions involving that expression. Such a theory of meaning isholistic, since according to it the meaning or concept any given expression possesses or expresses depends on the inferential relations it stands in to other expressions.It is widely recognised that this holism leads to twoprima facieproblems for IRS. First, since no two speakers share the same beliefs, they will inevitably be disposed to make, or treat as correct,differentinferential transitions involving an expression. Hence, according to IRS, the same word in different mouths will possess a different meaning and be understood in different ways. It seems to follow thatcommunicationis impossible.
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